Former Alabama Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa Suffers Another Head Injury

It's another brain injury for a quarterback who's seen several over his young career.

Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) suffers an apparent concussion after hitting his head on the ground while being tackled by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. / Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Former Alabama and current Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left the Thursday Night Game against the Buffalo Bills after suffering a head injury on a fourth-down scramble in the third quarter. He was eventually able to get up and walk off the field, but ruled out with a suspected concussion.

Tagovailoa has a history of head injuries, suffering at least two concussions during the 2022 season. He made it a focus to be smarter about impact in 2023 and started in all 17 games for Miami and leading the team to the playoffs.

Tagovailoa suffered his injury during the second game of the Dolphins season in the middle of a blowout loss to a division. While trying to run for a first down, and maybe spark his team, he lowered his shoulder and collided with Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin, who just played in his first regular season game since suffering a cardiac arrest on the field on Jan. 2, 2023. The quarterback crumbled to the ground and stiffen, appearing to immediately go into a fencing response.

Tua suffered a traumatic brain injury on this play, no question. His right arm shows the "fencing posture" indicating loss of consciousness & is on the severe end on the #concussion spectrum. He is done for the night and must miss the next game.pic.twitter.com/3Ur62QfBLH

— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) September 13, 2024

Miami head coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa was "in good spirits," and would be further evaluated. Statistically, he was 17-for-25 with 145 yards and one touchdown, but three interceptions. The Dolphins were down 31-10, and the game ended with the same score.

Normal concussions range anywhere from 7-21 days to recover from, however questions will swirl around Tagovailoa's long-term health after the latest injury before even having a complete diagnosis. The Dolphins turned to Skylar Thompson to take the remaining reps in the game, but may look elsewhere if Tagovailoa is sidelined for an extended period.

Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with $167.1 million guaranteed in July after leading the organization to the playoffs in 2023.