The Miami Dolphins were battling to recover in their Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills when star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa took a hard hit during a rushing attempt. Tagovailoa stayed on the field for a moment before being diagnosed with a concussion shortly after leaving the game.
This is not the first time Tua Tagovailoa has suffered a concussion in the NFL. Between 2022 and 2024, he has experienced a total of three concussions, each varying in severity. One of these was particularly severe, classified as a Grade 3 concussion, which sidelined him for 3 to 4 weeks.
During his most recent concussion, the injury occurred while he was making an effort to gain yards for a first down conversion. In the third quarter, Tagovailoa collided with Damar Hamlin, but the impact was not helmet-to-helmet; rather, it was against Hamlin’s midsection.
If Tagovailoa is unable to participate in Week 3, the Miami Dolphins’ options will include Skylar Thompson. After the starter’s exit against the Bills, Thompson threw 14 passes, completing only 8 for a total of 80 yards. The Dolphins have no other backup options.
The Severity of Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury
According to Rotowire, Tagovailoa’s concussion is classified as Grade 1, which means it is highly likely he could return for Week 3 to play against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. This injury is of the same grade as one he suffered on September 29, 2022.
It is worth noting that Tagovailoa’s most severe concussion occurred on December 25, 2022. That was a Grade 3 concussion, and he did not return to play until January 31. He experienced two concussions in a short span within the same year.