Dolphins' Tagovailoa exits TNF loss with concussion
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left the team's 31-10 Thursday night loss to the Buffalo Bills with a concussion and did not return.
Tagovailoa scrambled to convert a fourth down in the third quarter before taking a hit to the head. This is Tagovailoa's third known concussion.
The 26-year-old appeared to display the fencing response similar to how he did after a concussion sustained in the 2022 season. It was one of two concussions he sustained that year. He spent 37 days in the NFL's concussion protocol from December to January.
Head coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa was "in good spirits" after the game, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. McDaniel didn't confirm if Tagovailoa would be placed on injured reserve, saying the quarterback would undergo a "proper procedural evaluation," per Louis-Jacques.
"I was just worried about my guy," he added, per Louis-Jacques. "Not something that you ever want to be a part of."
Tagovailoa said he contemplated retirement after the 2022 campaign. He ultimately returned and didn't miss a game last season. The Alabama product signed a four-year, $212.4-million contract extension this offseason.
Tagovailoa threw for 145 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions before exiting the contest. He also had two rushes for 17 yards.
Skylar Thompson replaced Tagovailoa under center. He completed 8 of 14 passes for 80 yards, no touchdowns, and no picks.