Dec 25, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks on from the field during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are ruling out quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for Sunday’s playoff game at Buffalo.
The 24-year-old remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol and won’t resume football activities. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that Tagovailoa remains in Stage 3 of the NFL’s five-stage concussion protocol.
On Christmas Day, Tua sustained his second confirmed head injury of the season vs. the Packers, but the team was unaware until the conclusion of the game. The Dolphins head coach said there is no timeline for his return.
“As of today, Tua has not been cleared by doctors to resume football activities on the field with his teammates, so because of that and because of the time that he’s missed, I can rule him out for Sunday,” McDaniel said.
Skylar Thompson will now start in a nightmare situation in the Wild Card round against the Bills.
Thompson is fresh of his first career start vs. the Jets on Sunday. The former seventh-round draft pick completed 20 of his 31 pass attempts for a meager 152 yards in 11-6 win.
“I’m not sure anyone really understands what he was able to accomplish [against the Jets in Week 18],” McDaniel said. “He’s banking on reps that he’s doing individually after practice.”
Yea coach, whatever helps you sleep at night. The Dolphins season is all but over, as they are tasked with going to Buffalo as 14 points underdogs.
