Tua Tagovailoa to Visit Neurologists After 3rd NFL Concussion, Dolphins HC Says

Amid his continued recovery from his third diagnosed concussion in the NFL, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be evaluated by outside experts.

Per NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Tuesday that Tagovailoa will meet with outside neurologists this week.

"The plan hasn't changed. It's been executed. That's where it stands," McDaniel said. "I don't know reports, who sources are, but people should talk to me. I've got the real information."

Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in Miami's Week 2 loss against the Buffalo Bills and was placed on injured reserve days later, ruling him out for at least the next four games. In the Dolphins' first game without their starting quarterback, they suffered a 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

To make matters worse, backup quarterback Skylar Thompson suffered a rib injury and was ruled out for the game midway through the third quarter. He threw for just 107 yards before exiting the game and being replaced by Tim Boyle, who went just 7-of-13 for 79 yards. In total, Miami's offense totaled just 205 yards, nearly 200 yards lower than its season average from the 2023 campaign.

McDaniel said Tuesday that Thompson is considered day-to-day and the next two days will be important to determining whether he will be able to start Monday night's game against the Tennessee Titans. If Thompson is unable to play, the starting job could go to Boyle or Tyler Huntley. However, McDaniel added that the team will continue evaluating outside quarterback options as well.

Tagovailoa is the face of the Dolphins franchise after signing a four-year, $212.1 million extension this offseason. While getting him back would help the team avoid a lost year, Miami needs to consider his long-term health before determining when he can return to the field.