How long is Tua Tagovailoa out? Latest news, updates on Dolphins QB's 2024 status in NFL concussion protocol

Kyle Irving

How long is Tua Tagovailoa out? Latest news, updates on Dolphins QB's 2024 status in NFL concussion protocol image

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered another scary head injury in Miami's Week 2 loss to the Bills.

Tagovailoa had the Dolphins offense in the red zone in the third quarter, trying to cut into Buffalo's three-touchdown lead. He scrambled on 4th-and-4 from the 13-yard line, fighting to get at least the first down and possibly more.

Tagovailoa put his head down as he got hit by Bills safety Damar Hamlin. His neck jammed on contact and the quarterback went straight to the ground.

He remained on the ground for a few minutes as players on both teams took a knee around him. Tagovailoa did not return to the contest.

How long will this injury keep Tagovailoa sidelined? The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates below.

MORE: 5 best Dolphins QB options | Dolphins QB depth chart | Tua Tagovailoa contract details

What is Tua Tagovailoa's injury?

Tagovailoa was diagnosed with a concussion, the third official concussion of his career.

He eventually walked off the field under his own power before being brought to the medical tent. After being diagnosed with a concussion, Tagovailoa went back to the locker room and remained there for the rest of the game.

Late in the fourth quarter, "Thursday Night Football" sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung gave a positive update that Tagovailoa had control over all of his extremities.

"He was in good spirits," head coach Mike McDaniel said of his starting quarterback after the game. "...I was worried about my guy. It's not something you ever want to be a part of."

MORE: Tua Tagovailoa concussion history | What is 'fencing posture?' | Will Tua Tagovailoa retire?

How long is Tua Tagovailoa out?

The Dolphins have officially placed Tagovailoa on injured reserve but he remains without a timeline to return, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported.

"This is in order to give him ample time to progress through the stages of concussion protocol and meet with outside neurologists," Rapoport added.

The team confirmed his placement on injured reserve Tuesday afternoon. The earliest he could return is Week 8 against the Cardinals. Backup QB Skylar Thompson is set to start vs. Seattle in Week 3.

Rapoport recently reported that Tagovailoa has "no plans" on retiring from the sport.

Per the NFL's concussion protocol, he must clear a series of steps to return to the field, and he's guaranteed to miss at least one game.

Given that this is the third official concussion of Tagovailoa's career, expect the Dolphins to be extremely cautious with their star quarterback. Even after being placed on the IR, he will still have to clear concussion protocol before he returns.

McDaniel did reveal that Tagovailoa will travel with the team for its Week 3 road duel vs. Seattle. He won't participate in the contest, as he's still in concussion protocol. 

McDaniel initially declined to discuss a return timeline, saying it is not helpful. Instead, he shared that the Dolphins QB will have daily assessments with experts.

MORE: NFL concussion protocol explainer

How long does the NFL concussion protocol last?

There are several steps that NFL players have to go through before they are medically cleared. Each phase takes a different amount of time depending on the severity of the concussion.

The timeline can also differ on a case-by-case basis.

Here are the steps players have to take to leave the concussion protocol:

Symptom limited activity

In this phase, players are asked not to engage in much activity. They are supposed to rest during this period and limit anything that could aggravate their symptoms. Eventually, players will be allowed to do limited stretching and light aerobic exercises, so long as team training staff are supervising.

Aerobic exercise

Players will start to work on cardio exercises along with stretching and training, with team medical staff supervising. After this phase, players can start working on balance testing.

Football-specific exercise

In the third stage, players can take part in football-specific exercises and start working with the team for up to 30 minutes under supervision. Players are also able to increase their cardio workloads.

Club-based non-contact training drills

Players reaching the fourth stage are able to start throwing, catching, and running and engage in activities more specific to their position. They also can continue to ramp up their exercise and training. By end of this phase, players have to have undergone neurocognitive and balance testing.

Full football activity/clearance

The player has to be cleared by both the club physician and the independent neurological consultant to return to full activity.

Dolphins schedule 2024

WeekDateOpponentTime (ET)/ResultTV Channel
1Sept. 8vs. JaguarsW, 20-17
2Sept. 12vs. BillsL, 31-10
3Sept. 22at Seahawks4:05 p.m.CBS
4Sept. 30vs. Titans (MNF)7:30 p.m.ESPN
5Oct. 6at Patriots1 p.m.FOX
6BYE
7Oct. 20at Colts1 p.m.FOX
8Oct. 27vs. Cardinals1 p.m.FOX
9Nov. 3at Bills1 p.m.CBS
10Nov. 11at Rams (MNF)8:15 p.m.ESPN
11Nov. 17vs. Raiders1 p.m.CBS
12Nov. 24vs. Patriots1 p.m.CBS
13Nov. 28at Packers (Thanksgiving)8:20 p.m.NBC/Peacock
14Dec. 8vs. Jets1 p.m.CBS
15Dec. 15at Texans1 p.m.CBS
16Dec. 22vs. 49eres4:25 p.m.CBS
17Dec. 29at Browns (SNF)8:20 p.m.NBC/Peacock
18Jan. 5at JetsTBDTBD

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.