Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a small fracture in the middle finger of his throwing hand, and he will not start Miami’s game against the Texans today (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). Jacoby Brissett will get the nod in Tagovailoa’s place.
Schefter adds in a separate tweet that the injury is not expected to keep Tagovailoa on the sidelines for very long, but because the Dolphins have a quick turnaround with a Thursday night game against the Ravens four days from now, he could end up missing two contests. Of course, he has already missed three full games this year (and most of a fourth) due to a rib injury sustained in Miami’s Week 2 loss to the Bills.
Per Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com, Tagovailoa did throw in practice this week, but he had swelling and discomfort in his finger that was still giving him trouble in pregame warmups today (Twitter link). The southpaw passer will dress for the Houston game and is technically active, but that is because the Dolphins have only him and Brissett on the active roster (Twitter link via Field Yates of ESPN.com). The Eagles claimed former third-stringer Reid Sinnett off waivers at the end of October, and the ‘Fins did not promote practice squad QB Jake Dolegala.
This is yet another setback in Tagovailoa’s young career. The Alabama product has posted a disappointing 86.7 quarterback rating in his 15 professional games, and his persistent injury problems are preventing him from generating any positive momentum. Factors outside of his control — like the success of Chargers QB Justin Herbert, who was selected one pick after Tagovailoa in the 2020 draft, and the constant Deshaun Watson trade rumors — have underscored that general lack of success.
Head coach Brian Flores has publicly endorsed Tagovailoa on several occasions this year, and though the 1-7 Dolphins have taken a major step backward this year after a promising 2020 campaign, a strong second half of the season from their second-year signal-caller would brighten their 2022 outlook. Now, the chances of that happening seem even slimmer.
This guy seems to be a real health issue… not a good tag!
I’d like to see him behind an actual NFL offensive line before labeling him as injury prone. Just look at the difference between Burrow his first year vs this year. Dolphins messed up nor drafting Sewell.
He’s been injury prone all through his college years & nothing has changed since becoming a pro. Chris Grier screwed the pooch in 2020 when he didn’t draft Justin Herbert who is looking like the best QB in the 2020 Draft
As an eagles fan, this keeps getting better and better for them.
I told everybody he would not be a good NFL QB!
I mean, he hasn’t really played much. Tua hasn’t been what Miami wanted, but I wouldn’t put it all on him with his injuries, the team’s very lukewarm support, the up and down roster, and the absolute mess at offensive coordinator (which I actually consider to be the biggest factor). He has not been great, but I don’t think he had a single thing working to help him, either.
Should have traded for Watson.
Nope. Would rather be bad than have a sex offender as the face of the franchise.
You know, this guy reminds a lot of another injury-ridden Miami QB who eventually had success elsewhere…
Rick Norton? He was a Dolphin first round pick who did manage a 143.7 passer rating once he got to Green Bay.
He is clearly referring to Damon Huard
After the 2020 draft other Dolphins fans kept saying I was wrong about Tagovailoa & that he was injury prone & disagreed with me that the Dolphins should have drafted Justin Herbert who is turning out to be the best QB from the 2020 class.
I think it’s past time for Chris Grier to be shown the door & even Brian Flores might have to go.
Hopefully Owner Stephen Ross comes to his senses & stops wanting DeShaun Watson & his legal troubles
Panthers head coach Urban Meyer dealing with a stinky finger.
What is it with all the finger maladies this year?