Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leaves Dolphins-Bills game with concussion | NFL

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was forced to leave Thursday night’s game against Buffalo due to a concussion after colliding with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin and hitting the back of his head on the turf.

Tagovailoa, who has battled head injuries in the past, remained down for about two minutes before getting back to his feet and walking to the sideline after the third-quarter game. Shortly afterward, he walked into the tunnel, looked into the stands, appeared to smile and walked into the Dolphins’ locker room.

The Dolphins quickly announced that it was a concussion.

Tagovailoa, who suffered multiple concussions in his first three NFL seasons, has a chance for a big raise with an injury-free and productive 2023. He threw 29 touchdowns and rushed for a league-best 4,624 yards.

He signed a four-year, $212 million contract extension before this season and was the NFL’s leading passer in Week 1 of this season. Tagovailoa left the game with the Dolphins trailing 31-10.

Tagovailoa was injured on a fourth down keeper with about 4:30 left in the third quarter. He ran straight toward Hamlin and did not slide, but instead went first with his right shoulder.

He landed on his back with both hands in the air, and the Bills players immediately pointed at Tagovailoa as if to indicate he was injured. Dolphins center Aaron Brewer quickly did the same, waving toward the sideline.

Tagovailoa finally got up. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel grabbed the side of his quarterback’s head and gave him a kiss on the cheek as Tagovailoa left the field. Skylar Thompson came into the game and took Tagovailoa’s place.

Hamlin was the player who suffered cardiac arrest after a tackle during a Monday night game in Cincinnati in January 2023. The NFL was then forced to suspend a crucial play that quickly lost its significance after a frightening scene that unfolded in front of a national television audience.