Tua Tagovailoa in Concussion Protocol; Status for Dolphins' Game vs. Patriots TBD

Tua Tagovailoa has been placed in the concussion protocol.

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz

McDaniel said he's not sure when Tua suffered a concussion, but he's in protocol. During the game "nobody recognized anything with regard to" a hit. "It was something he met with doctors today and discussed some symptoms."

Hal Habib @gunnerhal

McDaniel: Not sure when Tua was injured. Mike was alerted to it a couple of hours ago. No one recognized issues during game.

At the end of his team's Week 13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Tagovailoa injured his ankle, but it wasn't thought to be significant.

His past issues with injuries are a concern.

Tagovailoa missed two games this year because of a concussion. After being drafted fifth overall in 2020, he had a slow start to his career due to a hip issue.

Through 13 games, the left-handed pitcher has passed for 3,548 yards and 25 touchdown. He has the highest passer rating in the league.

After throwing just 27 passing touchdown in his first two seasons combined, it has been a big improvement for him this year.

The offense could suffer a blow without the starting quarterback as the Dolphins fight for a playoff spot.