It was clear that Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was one play from another concussion. Tonight, it occurred.
In 2023, Tagovailoa focused on avoiding head hits and started 17 regular-season games and the team's only playoff game.
The current concussion, his third or fourth in two years, raises the same worries as in 2022 about his present and future.
Not from Tua falling and striking his head. He chose not to slide after gaining the yardage for a first down in the excitement of the moment. He wasn't near to the finish. The extra territory he fought for was inconsequential.
True competitors have trouble turning it off then. When avoiding head blows is the only concern, don't lower the shoulder and make contact.
What's next? Ryan Fitzpatrick recommended on Amazon Prime's postgame broadcast that the Dolphins put Tua on injured reserve for four weeks. He'll be exonerated. Probably wants to play.
Some, like Tony Gonzalez on the postgame broadcast, urge Tua resign. Is that plausible? If history is any indication, he will want to play.
Injury guarantees exceed $167 million on his current contract. He'll lose that money if he leaves. If he retires now, he could lose most of his $42 million signing bonus.