Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa leaves game with another concussion

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had to leave Thursday's game with the Buffalo Bills after suffering another concussion.

He was injured late in the third quarter when scrambling for a first down on a fourth-down play in an effort to extend a drive. Instead of sliding after getting the first down, Tagovailoa went head first and collided with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin.

It was apparent right away that Tagovailoa was injured, remaining on the field for several moments with his arm up in the air before eventually being able to walk off under his own power. He was immediately taken to the locker room and diagnosed with a concussion within minutes.

He was replaced by backup quarterback Skyler Thompson.

Any head injury is concerning. What is especially concerning here is Tagovailoa has a history of concussions, including two that we know of during the 2022 season. Those concussions led to a discussion about whether it was safe for him to continue playing football, but he quickly ruled out the idea of retirement and focused on training that was meant to try to prevent concussions.

There is only so much you can do, however, to prevent head injuries in a collision sport like football.

The Thursday night game gives the Dolphins a long week before their Week 3 game at the Seattle Seahawks, but given the nature of his injury and his history, it seems unlikely that Tagovailoa will be available for that game. The Dolphins may have to prepare to be without him for a while.