Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) stands on the field during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Hard Rock Stadium. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Tua Tagovailoa could make one important change for 2023

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 1/7/23

The Miami Dolphins have shut down Tua Tagovailoa for Week 18 of the NFL season due to his concussion issues.

Tagovailoa suffered two documented concussions this season, and there were also questions about another play where he was injured earlier in the season. The second concussion was not diagnosed until a day after Miami’s Week 16 loss to Green Bay, meaning Tagovailoa played half the game after being concussed.

The Dolphins will likely bring back the No. 5 overall pick next season, which is the final season of his 4-year rookie contract with Miami, but with one condition.

The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson speculated on Twitter Saturday that the Dolphins will likely bring Tagovailoa back after he and the team agree for the young quarterback to wear a more protective helmet.

I'm expecting Dolphins and Tua will agree for him to wear a more protective helmet and he will move forward as 2023 starter. There's clearly no better realistic multiyear alternative and nobody moves on from a QB who has this type of production https://t.co/70zK0nKqGL

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 7, 2023

Such a development would not be surprising.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel wrote during the week that the Dolphins believe Tagovailoa suffering so many concussions is not a coincidence. They believe that the quarterback has a tendency to have his head whip back and bounce off the turf hard.

In addition to a more protective helmet, maybe we could see Tua bring back a Bryan Cox neckroll.

Tagovailoa finished his regular season with 3,548 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, to go with a 105.5 passer rating.

There’s a good chance Tua Tagovailoa will end 2022 season ranked #1 in the NFL in passer rating, #1 in red zone passer rating and #1 in third down passer rating. Tua has the highest career passer rating in Dolphins history. If healthy he clearly should be Miami’s ‘23 starter.

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) January 7, 2023