Tua Tagovailoa has had a rough start to the 2025 NFL season. The Miami Dolphins have lost their first two games, with Tagovailoa’s struggles earning him criticism from fans across the league.
That being said, Tagovailoa’s NFL career hasn’t been obstacle-free. Injuries have marred the quarterback’s six-year career, some more severe than others. Unfortunately, a common theme has been head injuries and concussions.
Tua Tagovailoa Injury History: Multiple Concussions and Head Injuries
Tagovailoa’s injuries date back to his college days in Alabama. In fact, following his dislocated hip in 2019, the QB ended up missing the rest of the season.
This came during a game against Mississippi State, where two Bulldogs defenders roughly tackled Tagovailoa. The injuries were brutal. Tagovailoa suffered from a hip dislocation, a posterior wall fracture, a bloody nose, and a concussion on the play.
Naturally, Tagovailoa’s draft stock fell. Previously projected to be a No. 1 overall pick, Tagovailoa was drafted as the fifth overall pick by the Dolphins.
Sept. 29, 2022: Tagovailoa Suffers His Second Concussion
Following an unfortunate college injury, Tagovailoa went a few years before suffering from a concussion again on Sept. 29, 2022, during a Thursday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
One of his scariest injuries to date, Tagovailoa was trying to extend a play when Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou grabbed the passer and flung him to the ground. Tagovailoa’s elbow hit the ground, followed by the back of his head.
Tagovailoa immediately displayed a fencing response, and the officials and trainers ran onto the field. After being taken off the field, the broadcasters revealed that Tagovailoa was conscious and had suffered head and neck injuries.
Tua Tagovailoa vs. Baltimore Ravens (2022):
36/50 passing
469 passing yards
6 passing touchdowns
2 interceptions
124.1 passer rating
Led second-half 21-point comebackCareer day. 1⃣ #PhinsUp https://t.co/jcEWlD5gLT pic.twitter.com/ZzbvUxped2
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) September 18, 2025
“That was an emotional moment that is not part of the deal that anyone signs up for, even though you know it’s a possibility in football to have something that you have to be taken off on a stretcher,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said after the game.
The Bengals won 27-15, and Tagovailoa missed the next two games.
In fact, his injury changed the NFL’s concussion rules. Under new rules, any player who had ataxia (loss of gross motor skills) would be said to have suffered a concussion. This was after the Dolphins QB was cleared to return after a similar hit four days prior against the Buffalo Bills.
Dec. 25, 2022: Tagovailoa Ended Up Missing His Season
Following the scary injury against the Bengals, Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in December. This came during their game against the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day.
MORE: Why Did the Dolphins Hold a Players-Only Meeting? NFL Insider Reveals Details of Disastrous Issues in Miami
However, McDaniel could not clarify the exact moment Tagovailoa suffered from a concussion. He missed the rest of the regular season, the Dolphins’ playoff game, and the Pro Bowl.
He was in concussion protocol for over two months.
Sept. 12, 2024: Tagovailoa Suffers Another Concussion Against the Bills
Almost two years later, Tagovailoa was injured during Miami’s Week 2 Thursday Night Football clash against the Bills.
The unfortunate injury came during the game’s third quarter. Tagovailoa ran into Bills safety Damar Hamlin and fell to the ground before showing the fencing response.
On Sept. 17, he was placed on injured reserve and missed four games to allow his brain to heal properly. This was the third official concussion of Tagovailoa’s NFL career, so the team was careful in evaluating their quarterback.
The injury sparked a debate about Tagovailoa’s career, with fans debating whether the player would retire early and take care of his health. Considering the gruesome nature of NFL injuries, it wouldn’t have been surprising if Tagovailoa decided to walk away earlier than expected.
Of course, Tagovailoa professed his love for the game and thanked everyone for their concern before asserting that he’d return. “I appreciate your concern. I really do. I love this game. And I love it ’til the death of me. That’s it.”
And while the QB’s mental strength is praiseworthy, another head injury would further jeopardize his NFL career.
