As the Miami Dolphins prepare for Tua Tagovailoa’s 6th season in the NFL, the focus has shifted from on-field performance to something more important: staying healthy. After missing 6 games last year due to 2 separate injuries, including a head hit that caused a concussion and a hip injury, the Dolphins finished 8-9, their first non-playoff season since 2021.
New Chapter for Tua
Tua spoke to reporters on the first day of minicamp at the team’s facility, saying he’s committed to being on the field for his teammates.
“Doing everything I can to be available for the guys,” he said. “Like I said before, nothing changes with that.”
Despite his determination, staying healthy has been a recurring issue for Tua since being drafted 5th overall in 2020. He had a great season in 2023, throwing for 4,624 yards and 29 TDs, but has had multiple injuries (concussions) throughout his career.
The Cost of Competition
The latest setback came in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills when Tua scrambled for yardage and hit his head on safety Damar Hamlin. That play led to a 4-game absence and had fans worried about his long-term health.
“I would say the longevity for me to be on the field with my guys is more important than whatever that one play is,” Tua said. “You have more quarters than there would be with just that one play.”
He added, “I show the guys I’m competitive, and I know they know that. It’s just a natural thing. It comes naturally to me to compete in that sense. And that’s the thing I fight with.”
During his absence, the Dolphins went 1-3 with Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley under center. Later in the season, a hip injury forced him to miss the final 2 games, further proving his body is fragile.
Preparing for the Future
With Tagovailoa’s health still a question mark, the Dolphins made a smart move this offseason by signing Zach Wilson to a one year deal. The former #2 overall pick is looking to get his career back on track after 3 years with the Jets and 1 with the Broncos.
The Dolphins also drafted rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers in the 7th round, who showed promise in college.
“I think it’s working out for Zach,” Tagovailoa said. “For certain practices, you guys aren’t allowed to see the development he’s made and the strides he’s made as a player. I would say the same for Quinn as well.”
A Team Invested in Tua
The Dolphins have invested a lot in Tagovailoa, giving him a 4 year, $212 million extension in 2023. That comes with high expectations but also pressure to stay on the field.
While the team has added depth at quarterback, the spotlight will still be on Tagovailoa as he enters his 6th season. His ability to stay healthy could be the key to unlocking the Dolphins and getting them back to the playoffs.
The next few months will be crucial for the Dolphins’ playoff hopes. As he goes through minicamp and gets ready for the 2025 season, the message is clear: health is now the priority.