So much for wide-eyed optimism stemming from Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins' impressive season-opening win over the New England Patriots.
Less than halfway through the first quarter of Miami's Week 2 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins sophomore quarterback was carted off the field with an apparent injury.
Tua Tagovailoa is being carted into the locker room. He was walking, moving around with his helmet on but in clear discomfort.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 19, 2021
Tagovailoa was left shaken up after taking a hard hit from Buffalo defensive end A.J. Epenesa while standing tall in the pocket and throwing a pass. Fortunately, Tagovailoa was in control of his faculties while being driven to the locker room by team medical personnel, clearly able to move his head, arms and legs.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tagovailoa suffered a rib injury. He's currently listed as questionable to return to the game.
Rib injury for Tua…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 19, 2021
Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, previously a starter with the Patriots, took over for Tagovailoa under center.
Tagovailoa had completed just one of his four passes for 13 yards before exiting the first quarter, which was being dominated by Buffalo. He was instrumental in the Dolphins' win over New England a week ago, throwing for 202 yards and accounting for two touchdowns.
Though the extent of Tagovailoa's current injury is unknown, his checkered health history adds an extra degree of concern to his status regardless. His record-breaking college career at Alabama was ended prematurely by a dislocated hip, and he missed a game during his rookie season due to a thumb injury.
Follow Us
Subscribe