As the Miami Dolphins push for a playoff spot entering Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season, the situation surrounding their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, has become a central point of discussion. Despite an impressive recovery from a dismal 2-6 start, the Dolphins’ playoff hopes are now being carried without the presence of their highest-paid player and superstar quarterback. This situation is not unprecedented for Miami, as Tua has struggled with injuries at crucial moments in the past, and it appears his 2024 season may be nearing its end due to a new hip injury.
This latest injury came as a surprise to many, especially since Tua had recently downplayed the issue in front of the media, suggesting it was nothing serious. Just days before the injury surfaced, he had been at the podium assuring everyone that he felt fine. Coach Mike McDaniel echoed these sentiments, providing no indication that Tua’s injury was significant or would affect his ability to play. The Dolphins, seemingly aware of the need to protect their competitive advantage, may have opted to downplay the severity of the injury against their opponent, the Cleveland Browns. However, following Miami’s Week 17 win over Cleveland, with Tyler Huntley stepping in as quarterback, McDaniel provided more insight into the situation.
McDaniel’s comments regarding the injury raised eyebrows, particularly when he mentioned that surgery was not currently on the table. While he quickly clarified that surgery was not an immediate concern, the fact that the possibility of surgery was even brought up suggests it had been considered and subsequently ruled out. This subtle acknowledgment indicates that the injury may be more severe than originally implied, and it’s clear that the Dolphins’ medical team had more significant concerns than they were letting on.
The following day, McDaniel was once again asked about Tua’s status and who ultimately makes the decision about whether he plays. In his response, McDaniel emphasized the importance of listening to medical professionals and adhering to their expertise. He made it clear that the decision to play a player is not made lightly and is always based on whether the player is medically cleared. McDaniel also acknowledged that injuries are complicated, and it would be irresponsible for him to overrule medical advice. This response suggested that the Dolphins are not only relying on their medical team’s assessment but are also preparing for the possibility that Tua may not be ready to return for the remainder of the season.
For fans who still held hope that Tua would be able to suit up against the Jets or potentially in a playoff game, McDaniel’s statements on the situation were further confirmation that Tua’s injury is severe. According to McDaniel, updates about the injury throughout the week indicated that things were looking bleak. By Sunday morning, it became clear that Tua would not be able to play against Cleveland, with the decision being based on the information provided the previous day. This timeline, coupled with the fact that Tua did not play, paints a picture of a player who is unlikely to return to action soon.
In terms of preparing for the future, McDaniel revealed that Tyler Huntley would be taking the majority of the practice reps as Miami prepares for its must-win game against the Jets. This shift in practice preparation further supports the notion that the Dolphins have made the decision to shut down Tua for the rest of the season, without openly stating it. McDaniel also spoke about the risks involved in putting Tua back on the field with his current injury, suggesting that doing so could result in further damage.
The Dolphins’ reluctance to officially place Tua on injured reserve is a strategic move, as they still hold on to slim playoff hopes. The team’s chances of making the playoffs depend on several factors, including the outcome of the Denver vs. Kansas City game. If Denver were to lose to Kansas City, Miami would remain in contention for the postseason. However, should they make the playoffs, all signs point to Tua being unavailable to play. Even if the Dolphins make a miraculous run to the postseason, it seems highly unlikely that Tua will be cleared to play, especially given the nature of his injury.
McDaniel’s comments about the injury—his limited mobility and the risk of putting him behind the offensive line—suggest that the Dolphins are trying to protect their quarterback from further harm. However, the irony is that Tua has been under fire for his performance behind an offensive line that has struggled for years, and now, his limited mobility may prevent him from playing at all. Despite the Dolphins’ apparent efforts to shield him from further injury, it’s clear that the organization has effectively decided to shut him down for the remainder of the 2024 season, whether they officially announce it or not.
In considering all the evidence, the Dolphins’ handling of Tua’s injury speaks volumes. While they have not publicly declared him out for the season, everything about the situation points to the fact that Tua’s 2024 campaign is likely over. The team’s careful language and McDaniel’s comments about surgery and medical clearance strongly suggest that Tua’s injury is more severe than the public was initially led to believe.
This decision, though not publicly confirmed, seems to be the right one for the Dolphins given the risks associated with Tua’s injury. In all likelihood, he will not be cleared to play again this season, and the Dolphins may have already made their peace with that. With only one game left in the regular season and their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Miami is taking a cautious approach to protect their quarterback and ensure his long-term health. While the team may not officially declare Tua out for the season, their actions and statements speak volumes, and it’s clear that they are preparing for a future without him in 2024.
In conclusion, the Miami Dolphins are likely shutting Tua down for the season, even if they haven’t openly acknowledged it. The severity of his injury, coupled with the team’s reluctance to publicly commit to his return, paints a picture of a player who is unlikely to return to action this year. While the Dolphins remain hopeful for a playoff berth, their focus is now on protecting their quarterback and making the best decisions for his health moving forward. Whether or not they officially announce Tua’s season-ending injury, the reality is clear: the 2024 campaign is over for the Dolphins’ star quarterback.
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