Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa Faces Doubtful Status Amid Hip Injury

Introduction

The Miami Dolphins are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position as Tua Tagovailoa has been listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills due to a hip injury. Tagovailoa suffered the injury in the Dolphins' Week 5 loss to the New York Jets and has not practiced since. The injury is a significant concern for the Dolphins, who are 3-2 on the season and have been relying heavily on Tagovailoa's production.

Tagovailoa's Injury

Tagovailoa suffered the hip injury on a late hit by Jets linebacker Quincy Williams in the third quarter of the Dolphins' Week 5 loss. Tagovailoa was immediately taken to the locker room and did not return to the game. The Dolphins initially listed Tagovailoa as questionable for Sunday's game, but his status was downgraded to doubtful on Friday after he did not practice all week.

The Dolphins have not disclosed the severity of Tagovailoa's injury, but it is believed to be a hip pointer. A hip pointer is a contusion of the iliac crest, the bony ridge on the outside of the pelvis. Hip pointers can be painful and can limit a player's range of motion. The Dolphins are hopeful that Tagovailoa will be able to return to practice next week and play in the Dolphins' Week 7 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dolphins' Quarterback Situation

If Tagovailoa is unable to play on Sunday, the Dolphins will start backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Brissett has started 32 games in his career, including 15 games for the Dolphins last season. Brissett is a capable quarterback, but he is not as dynamic as Tagovailoa. Brissett is a more traditional pocket passer, while Tagovailoa is a more mobile quarterback who can make plays with his legs.

The Dolphins also have third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson on their roster. Thompson was a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and has not appeared in a regular season game. Thompson is a developmental prospect and is not expected to be ready to start this season.

Outlook for the Dolphins

The Dolphins are 3-2 on the season and are in the thick of the AFC East race. The Dolphins are tied with the New York Jets for first place in the division and are one game ahead of the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins have a tough remaining schedule, but they are in a good position to make a playoff run.

If Tagovailoa is able to return to the lineup soon, the Dolphins' chances of making a playoff run will increase significantly. Tagovailoa is a talented quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. The Dolphins' offense is much more dynamic with Tagovailoa at the helm.

If Tagovailoa is unable to return to the lineup soon, the Dolphins' chances of making a playoff run will decrease. Brissett is a capable quarterback, but he is not as dynamic as Tagovailoa. The Dolphins' offense will be less productive with Brissett at the helm.

Conclusion

The Dolphins are facing a difficult situation at the quarterback position. Tagovailoa is a talented quarterback who is vital to the Dolphins' success. The Dolphins are hopeful that Tagovailoa will be able to return to the lineup soon, but his status is uncertain. If Tagovailoa is unable to return to the lineup soon, the Dolphins' chances of making a playoff run will decrease.