After evaluating all options, the Miami Dolphins have reportedly elected to place starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on the injured reserve list due to his ribs injury, as noted by the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The second-year quarterback will now miss the Dolphins' upcoming three games. For the time being, backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett will take over for Miami as the team's starter at the position.
Sources: The #Dolphins are placing QB Tua Tagovailoa on Injured Reserve, meaning he’ll miss three games. The hope is he returns from his broken ribs at that point. But it’s Jacoby Brissett’s show for the next three games.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 25, 2021
Tagovailoa left the Dolphins' recent home game against the Buffalo Bills after taking a hard hit during a crucial fourth down play. He wound up not returning to the game after being carted off to the locker room.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide star was later diagnosed with a fractured ribs injury.
Although Tagovailoa missed all of Miami's practices earlier this week, there was initial optimism on a possible early return to action for him as head coach Brian Flores listed him as day-to-day.
In the end, Miami has reportedly opted for the more conservative stance by placing him on the injured reserve list, which will see him miss the team’s games against the Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts and the crucial early season showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
All eyes will now be on how Brissett will perform as Miami's starting quarterback. He did have a sluggish outing in relief for Tagovailoa against the Bills, as he threw an interception and posted a 59.3 passer rating. Still, he does have plenty of experience as a starter in the NFL, which includes 32 career starts.
As mentioned, Brissett’s first test will come in a key road matchup against the Raiders in Week 3.
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