Miami Dolphins Place QB Tua Tagovailoa on IR Following Concussion, Skylar Thompson to Start

The Miami Dolphins have officially placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve following his third concussion in the NFL, sustained during last Thursday's loss to the Buffalo Bills. According to league rules, Tagovailoa must sit out for at least four games, though the Dolphins have not provided a specific timeline for his return as he prioritizes his health and recovery.

Tua Tagovailoa Quarterback for Miami Dolphins

Tagovailoa’s concussion occurred while he was scrambling for a first down and made hard contact with Bills safety Damar Hamlin. The hit caused Tagovailoa to exhibit a fencing response—an involuntary reaction indicating a concussion—immediately raising concerns on the field. Medical staff tended to him for several minutes, and although he walked off the field under his own power, he was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.

This marks the third diagnosed concussion of Tagovailoa's career and pushes his total games missed due to injury to 14 since entering the NFL in 2020. Despite playing all 18 games in the 2023 season, his health continues to be a priority for the Dolphins organization.

In the meantime, third-year quarterback Skylar Thompson has been named the starter for the Dolphins' upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks. Although Thompson didn’t see action in 2023, he made three starts as a rookie in 2022, including a playoff appearance against the Bills. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel clarified that the decision to bring in veteran QB Tyler Huntley was made to strengthen depth and is not a reflection on Thompson’s abilities. Huntley, a Pro Bowler in 2022, will serve as a backup after starting several games for the Baltimore Ravens, including their playoff loss to the Bengals last year.

In addition to the quarterback moves, the Dolphins also made a few roster changes, officially signing offensive lineman Jackson Carman to the practice squad and releasing wide receiver Robbie Chosen.

With Tagovailoa on the road to recovery, the Dolphins will rely on Thompson to guide the offense as they navigate the next four games without their starting quarterback.