Is Tua Tagovailoa retiring? Why Dolphins QB hasn't decided on NFL future as he heads to IR with latest concussion

Teddy Ricketson

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Is Tua Tagovailoa retiring? Why Dolphins QB hasn't decided on NFL future as he heads to IR with latest concussion image

The Dolphins lost to their division rivals, the Buffalo Bills, in blowout fashion in Week 2 of the NFL season. But their 1-1 record is the least of their worries.

While the defeat stings, the story of the game — and potentially of Miami's season — revolves around Tua Tagovailoa. With about four and a half minutes remaining in the third quarter, the 26-year-old quarterback took off on a scramble. He picked up six yards before lunging forward to try and gain a few extra feet, but he ran headfirst into Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin.

Tagovailoa stayed on the ground after the play, his hands shaking and curling in the fencing posture. Trainers tended to him, and he was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game with a concussion.

His NFL career in the NFL has been plagued with concussions, as this marks his third diagnosed concussion since he joined the league in 2020. 

Tagovailoa was mulling retirement after the two he suffered in 2022. With another concussion, what are he and the Dolphins saying about his future in the NFL?

MORE: How long is Tua Tagovailoa out? | Tua Tagovailoa concussion history | What is 'fencing posture?'`

What have Tua Tagovailoa and Dolphins said about retirement?

Tagovailoa hasn't spoken directly to the media since sustaining his latest concussion. Still, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that his sources say the quarterback has no plans to retire.

Tagovailoa has apparently begun seeing concussion specialists. And while he does not have a concrete timeline for his return, it sounds like Plan A is for him to return to the field at some point.

In his weekly press conference, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel was asked about Tagovailoa's progress. The reporter referred to Rapoport's report and wondered what the plan for Tagovailoa was moving forward. 

"I think as far as Tua's career is concerned, I think it's of utmost priority of mind for Tua to speak on Tua's career. So I think reports are reports. As far as I'm concerned, I'm just worried about the human being and where that's at day to day, and I think I'll let Tua be the champion of his own career and speak on that."

McDaniel also provided an update on seeing Tagovailoa earlier that day. 

"He was downstairs today smiling with his teammates. He's working with the trainers and medical staff diligently and as far as I'm concerned, you're in the protocol and I think he's doing well today and we take it day by day. He was feeling good, but what does that mean in terms of a medical diagnosis? I don't base my judgments on my interactions with him necessarily as much as it is hearing the end result of the medical examination and where he's at. It was good to see him and I know his teammates were pumped to see him."

How many concussions has Tua Tagovailoa had?

Tagovailoa has had at least three concussions in his career. He chalked up a suspected concussion in Week 3 of the 2022 season to back spasms. 

Tagovailoa had his first diagnosed concussion the following week. This was a Grade 1 concussion, which is considered mild, but Tagovailoa had to be stretchered off the field.

Tagovailoa was able to return after a month, but his season still ended early. He suffered his second concussion on that season in Week 16. 

This led to his most recent concussion in Week 2 of the 2024 season. 

How long is Tua Tagovailoa out?

Tagovailoa was added to IR at the start of Week 3. This means that he has to miss at least the next four games for the Dolphina.

The 26-year-old will miss games against the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. The earliest that he can return is Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals in late October. 

Dolphins QB depth chart

Tua Tagovailoa
Skylar Thompson
Tyler "Snoop" Huntley
Tim Boyle

When Tagovailoa was diagnosed with his concussion, the first question was, "Who will be the starting quarterback." While it can change as the season progresses, Miami seems poised to advance with Thompson as the starter. The Dolphins signed Huntley off of the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad. Since Huntley was signed off a practice squad, he has to stay on the main roster, so he will be the backup, with Boyle continuing to serve as the emergency quarterback.  

Skylar Thompson

Thompson was drafted in the final round of the 2022 NFL Draft by Miami. He played at Kansas State in college. Thompson was thrust into the starting gig after Tagovailoa and then-backup Teddy Bridgewater both got hurt in 2022. He started two games, but played in seven total that year. Thompson had 534 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions in that span.

Tyler Huntley

Huntley spent his college days at Utah before going undrafted in 2020. He landed with the Ravens and spent four years as the backup to Lamar Jackson. With the two-time MVP's injury history, Huntley saw plenty of playing time in Baltimore, mainly in 2021 and 2022.

 Passing YardsPassing TouchdownsInterceptionsRushing YardsRushing Touchdowns
20211,081332942
2022658221371
Career Totals (2020-2023)1,957875093

Tim Boyle

Boyle went undrafted in 2018 and signed with the Green Bay Packers. He has bounced around the NFL, including stops with the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, New York Jets and Houston Texans. Boyle has only started five games in his career and has yet to win a game he starts. 

 GamesStartsPassing YardsTouchdownsInterceptions
Career Totals205934412

Teddy Ricketson

Teddy Ricketson Photo

Teddy Ricketson is a Digital Content Producer at The Sporting News. He joined the team in 2024 after spending the last three years writing for Vox Media as part of its DK Nation/Network team. Teddy does his best to support the South Carolina Gamecocks and Carolina Panthers, but tends to have more fun cheering on the Atlanta Braves. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife, Brooke, and their two dogs, Bo and Hootie.