Tua Tagovailoa - Pro Football Rumors

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Dealing With Broken Finger

November 7th, 2021 at 11:19am CST by Rory Parks

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a small fracture in the middle finger of his throwing hand, and he will not start Miami’s game against the Texans today (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). Jacoby Brissett will get the nod in Tagovailoa’s place.

Schefter adds in a separate tweet that the injury is not expected to keep Tagovailoa on the sidelines for very long, but because the Dolphins have a quick turnaround with a Thursday night game against the Ravens four days from now, he could end up missing two contests. Of course, he has already missed three full games this year (and most of a fourth) due to a rib injury sustained in Miami’s Week 2 loss to the Bills.

Per Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com, Tagovailoa did throw in practice this week, but he had swelling and discomfort in his finger that was still giving him trouble in pregame warmups today (Twitter link). The southpaw passer will dress for the Houston game and is technically active, but that is because the Dolphins have only him and Brissett on the active roster (Twitter link via Field Yates of ESPN.com). The Eagles claimed former third-stringer Reid Sinnett off waivers at the end of October, and the ‘Fins did not promote practice squad QB Jake Dolegala.

This is yet another setback in Tagovailoa’s young career. The Alabama product has posted a disappointing 86.7 quarterback rating in his 15 professional games, and his persistent injury problems are preventing him from generating any positive momentum. Factors outside of his control — like the success of Chargers QB Justin Herbert, who was selected one pick after Tagovailoa in the 2020 draft, and the constant Deshaun Watson trade rumors — have underscored that general lack of success.

Head coach Brian Flores has publicly endorsed Tagovailoa on several occasions this year, and though the 1-7 Dolphins have taken a major step backward this year after a promising 2020 campaign, a strong second half of the season from their second-year signal-caller would brighten their 2022 outlook. Now, the chances of that happening seem even slimmer.

Dolphins GM Chris Grier On Deshaun Watson, Tua Tagovailoa

November 4th, 2021 at 10:07am CST by Zachary Links

The Dolphins didn’t trade for Deshaun Watson, but they still made plenty of waves in the week leading up to the deadline. By all accounts, owner Stephen Ross was eager to bring the embattled Texans quarterback to Miami, but only if certain “contingencies” were met. In short, the Dolphins were only willing to trade for Watson if his legal troubles were put behind him.

Meanwhile, GM Chris Grier was left to field questions about Watson, the future of young signal caller Tua Tagovailoa, and what it all means for the Dolphins going forward. Here’s a look at some of the highlights, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:

On the Dolphins’ level of interest in Watson:

“My job as general manager is to investigate every avenue on players that may or may not be available. I don’t think it’s any different from any player on the roster. We’ve done that from Day 1. That’s how every team operates. In terms of what discussions were had and what people asked for…We decided not to make a deal.”

On whether a deal was close:

“You go through these processes and talk through these things and we go forward with the team we have. We never got to a point of where anything would be realistic as far as happening.”

On Tagovailoa’s status moving forward:

“If there is a player considered one of the top players in the NFL, you have to look at it and try to go for it. It has nothing to do with not believing in Tua. We’re very happy with Tua.”

On the potential of renewing talks in the offseason:

“You get through the season and you keep evaluating the entire roster. Once the offseason comes, we’ll make decisions.”

Dolphins GM On Deshaun Watson Talks

November 3rd, 2021 at 9:35am CST by Zachary Links

After months of speculation, the Dolphins did not complete a trade for Deshaun Watson before the deadline. Multiple reports suggested that the two sides were closing in on a deal last week, but Miami GM Chris Grier tells a different story.

“We were doing background work and investigating everything,” Grier said (Twitter link via David Furones of the Miami Herald). “Just because we do that, doesn’t mean we’re going to do a deal.”

The Dolphins ultimately backed out due to concerns over Watson’s ongoing legal situation. Owner Stephen Ross wanted to bring Watson to South Beach, but only if his 20+ suits were settled. With that in mind, one reporter asked Grier if the Dolphins were involved in trying to get Watson’s accusers to sign non-disclosure agreements.

“I think any suggestion that this organization would be dealing behind the scenes and trying to influence decisions is absolutely ridiculous and categorically false,” Grier said. “So to say that we would be involved in that is just flat wrong. And it pisses me off, I’m sorry.”

Grier also added that the Dolphins’ interest in Watson is not a reflection on their current quarterback. He says the team still believes in Tua Tagovailoa, though that won’t do much to curb speculation in the spring.

At last check, the Texans were seeking three first-round picks and and two second-round picks for the embattled quarterback. That asking price could come down after the season if Watson’s off-the-field matters are settled.

Dolphins HC: Tua Tagovailoa To Remain Starter

October 29th, 2021 at 11:15am CST by Zachary Links

Barring injury, head coach Brian Flores says that Tua Tagovailoa will remain the team’s starting quarterback (Twitter link via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). However, Flores also declined to come out and say that the Dolphins will not be trading for Texans QB Deshaun Watson.

Things seem to be heating up between the Dolphins and Texans, with the two sides reportedly agreeing on the trade essentials. Watson has also told the Texans that he would approve a trade to the Dolphins. Flores has shied away from Watson talk in the past, but owner Stephen Ross seems ready to overrule any objectors. Flores is also on the hot seat, so his pro-Tua position doesn’t necessarily mean much.

“I don’t not feel wanted,” said Tagovailoa this week when asked about the constant speculation (via ESPN.com). “I really don’t think about it. The only time I’m really hearing about it, like I’ve said before, is if [the communications staff] is kind of telling me what’s going on within the rumors or if my agent calls me. That’s really when I hear it. Other than that, I don’t really hear it.”

We should be hearing plenty about Tagovailoa, Watson, and all the moving parts between now and Tuesday’s deadline. If both QBs remain in place come Wednesday, Tagovailoa can expect the chatter to resume in the offseason.

Dolphins HC Brian Flores On Hot Seat

October 24th, 2021 at 9:47am CST by Rory Parks

The Dolphins are mired in a five-game losing streak, and their disappointing defeat at the hands of the Jaguars in London last week has led to plenty of speculation about head coach Brian Flores‘ future in Miami. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Flores is indeed on the hot seat.

A 10-win effort in 2020 seemed to indicate that better days were ahead for the Fins, but Flores’ club has taken a major step back this year. Even last season, many players did not like Flores’ handling of then-rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa, who was yanked out of several games early in favor of veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick. Of course, winning can ease a lot of tension, and while Tagovailoa has not been benched in favor of backup Jacoby Brissett this season — either in-game or otherwise — the 1-5 start to the 2021 campaign has intensified other issues in the Dolphins’ locker room.

For instance, Flores reportedly has a difficult time connecting with his players, and the constant overhaul of his coaching staff has also led to consternation. Said one source with direct knowledge of the situation, “[t]here is a really negative vibe down there right now. A lot of players do not trust (Flores). Flo thinks he is a player’s coach, with an open-door policy, but I know a number of players who would tell you they don’t really think he is approachable enough, or flexible.”

Many coaches who come from the Bill Belichick coaching tree unsuccessfully attempt to replicate Belichick’s business-like approach with the Patriots, and Flores — who coached under Belichick in New England for 11 years — is apparently no exception. La Canfora’s source added, “[t]here is still too much of that New England (stuff) going on. It just doesn’t work. There is a psychology to handling players and building a team, and you have to be able to connect and motivate. That’s not the vibe there. It’s pretty bad.”

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is concerned about the direction of his team, and he and Flores are rumored to be at odds over the potential acquisition of embattled passer Deshaun Watson. Obviously, Tagovailoa’s fate would be greatly impacted by a Watson deal, and while Flores has publicly endorsed Tagovailoa on several occasions, La Canfora says the third-year head coach and his staff have never really embraced the young southpaw.

If Miami is able to consummate a Watson trade, it does not sound like Tagovailoa would be part of the package heading back to Houston. La Canfora reports that clubs who have been connected to Tagovailoa in the past — a group that presumably includes the Texans — are not interested in acquiring him at this time.

Brian Flores: ‘Tua Is Our Quarterback’

October 22nd, 2021 at 9:57am CST by Sam Robinson

The latest run of Deshaun Watson-to-Miami rumors has prompted Brian Flores to once again throw his support behind incumbent Tua Tagovailoa. Friday, the third-year Dolphins coach offered the latest such endorsement.

“Tua is our quarterback. I’m happy with our quarterback,” Flores said, adding that the second-year passer still has a chance to become a great NFL QB (via ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, on Twitter). “I don’t really get into rumors. We’re happy with our quarterback situation, and I’ll leave it at that.”

Linked to the Dolphins before the civil and criminal matters encircled him this offseason, Watson is believed to be on board with a trade to Miami — should one materialize. And the three-time Pro Bowler once again became a Dolphins talking point after a preseason report of Stephen Ross being willing to roll the dice on the embattled Texans passer surfaced. This week, word emerged the Texans and Dolphins are once again discussing a deal. Naturally, Tagovailoa’s status has come up again.

Coming into the NFL after a severe hip injury, Tagovailoa suffered broken ribs early this season but returned last week. The second-year southpaw missed the minimum three games while on IR and threw for 329 yards while completing 70% of his passes in Miami’s loss to Jacksonville in London. But the Watson rumors continue to overshadow his career. Some in the Dolphins organization are expressing doubt about Tagovailoa, leading to stronger connections to Watson.

Of course, the decision to trade for Watson would be above Flores’ paygrade. Ross would ultimately give the green light in this case, and while such a move would be somewhat controversial and obviously risky given Watson’s status, the Dolphins would upgrade considerably at quarterback. This would result in the team bailing on Tagovailoa quickly, however, and giving up considerable draft capital to do so.

A trade would also prove interesting for the Dolphins, given their 1-5 record. But a Watson deal would be a play for the Dolphins’ future, which is suddenly looking cloudy after the team’s 10-6 showing in 2020. Unless Watson is dealt to another team, rumors about Tua’s status will continue until the Nov. 2 trade deadline.

Latest On Dolphins, Deshaun Watson

October 21st, 2021 at 3:02pm CST by Zachary Links

The Dolphins are operating in “win now” mode, according to sources who spoke with Tony Pauline of ProFootballNetwork. Meanwhile, some in the front office are doubtful that Tua Tagovailoa is the answer at quarterback, further fueling their push for Texans QB Deshaun Watson.

Dolphins execs can’t help but compare Tagovailoa’s performance to that of Justin Herbert, who has his Chargers off to a 4-2 start. Head coach Brian Flores and GM Chris Grier have reportedly tried to pump the breaks on Watson discussions, but owner Stephen Ross wants results and both men find themselves on the hot seat.

The reported asking price — three first-rounders and two second-round picks — is undoubtedly steep, especially since Watson could be suspended by the commissioner’s office as soon as he’s traded. Still, Ross’ win-now directive means that the team is not all that concerned about its future draft capital. Ross seems ready to do whatever it takes, even if that means an enormous gamble on Watson.

The Eagles and Panthers have also chatted with the Texans, though the timing of those talks is unclear. For what it’s worth, Darnold has cooled significantly, throwing six interceptions across three-straight Panthers losses. Meanwhile, the Birds are 2-4 with Jalen Hurts throwing for eight TDs against four INTs.

The Dolphins may or may not have competition, but the clock is ticking either way. If they can’t get a deal done by November 2nd, they’ll have to wait until next year for a shot at Watson.

Dolphins Activate QB Tua Tagovailoa Off IR

October 16th, 2021 at 8:16am CST by Ben Levine

Tua Tagovailoa is officially back. The Dolphins have activated the quarterback off injured reserve. While Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com observes that Tagovailoa is listed as questionable, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweets that the QB will start tomorrow in London.

Tua hasn’t played since suffering a rib injury during Miami’s Week 2 loss to the Bills. He was placed on IR in late September, and he was designated to return from IR earlier this week. While the QB got a week of practice under his belt, it was still uncertain if the organization would fly the former first-round pick across the Atlantic Ocean in order to play the winless Jaguars in London tomorrow. Ultimately, it sounds like Tagovailoa will be under center for his squad at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The former fifth-overall pick started nine of his 10 games last season, completing 64.1-percent of his passes for 1,814 yards, 11 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also added another 109 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He threw a touchdown and rushed for another during the Dolphins’ Week 1 victory over the Patriots, and he completed one of his four pass attempts in Week 2 before exiting.

Jacoby Brissett has been filling in as the starting QB in Tua’s absence, throwing four touchdowns in three starts.

The Dolphins made two additional moves this morning, promoting wideouts Isaiah Ford and Kirk Merritt from the practice squad.

Dolphins Designate QB Tua Tagovailoa For Return

October 12th, 2021 at 10:23pm CST by Ben Levine

Tua Tagovailoa is another step closer to returning. The Dolphins QB was designated for return from IR today, according to ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter).

Tagovailoa suffered a rib injury during Miami’s Week 2 loss to the Bills, and he was placed on injured reserve in late September. This meant the QB would be eligible to return in time for the Dolphins game against the Jaguars on Sunday morning.

Of course, just because Tua returned to practice, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be on the field this weekend. It remains to be seen if Tagovailoa will travel to London with his squad, and even then, he’d need the team to trust that he’s healthy enough to start. We heard earlier this week that the QB would be “ready” to play, so we’ll see if he gets his way.

The former fifth-overall pick started nine of his 10 games last season, completing 64.1-percent of his passes for 1,814 yards, 11 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also added another 109 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He threw a touchdown and rushed for another during the Dolphins’ Week 1 victory over the Patriots, and he completed one of his four pass attempts in Week 2 before exiting.

As long as Tagovailoa is out of the lineup, Jacoby Brissett will continue under center for the Dolphins.

AFC East Notes: Bills, Mims, Tua

October 3rd, 2021 at 11:46am CST by Rory Parks

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has made it clear that the Bills need to address their stadium situation in the near future to keep the club in western New York, and Bills ownership remains committed to that goal. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports hears from team and league sources that owners Terry and Kim Pegula have not even investigated the possibility of moving the team to a different city. Instead, the Pegulas continue to work towards building a new stadium near the current one.

The Pegulas will push for the issue to become a top priority for state and local government, and they are optimistic that the recent change in New York leadership will help their pursuit. New governor Kathy Hochul has strong ties to western NY and good relationships with many members of the Buffalo organization who would be working on the project, and as of now, the sense is that the Bills will be staying put.

Now for more from the AFC East:

Much has been made of Denzel Mims‘ future with the Jets and whether the second-year wideout could be a trade candidate, but Rich Cimini of ESPN.com hears that Mims is not going anywhere, which jibes with a recent report from the NFL Network. Indeed, as Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv writes, Mims is going to get a real opportunity to shine when Gang Green takes on the Titans this afternoon. Head coach Robert Saleh said Mims “is going to get some opportunities. Hopefully he takes advantage of them. We’re expecting him to.”
Cimini adds that, at this point, WR Jamison Crowder is the most likely player on the Jets‘ roster to be traded in the coming weeks. Although safety Marcus Maye could theoretically be on the move — his agent recently tweeted that Maye will be recovered from his ankle injury by the trade deadline, a clear attempt to drum up interest — his salary could be prohibitive for many clubs. Maye will still be owed another ~$6MM for 2021 by the time the trade deadline rolls around.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is eligible to come off IR for the team’s October 17 matchup with the Jaguars, and he will be ready to return to action by that date, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Of course, it remains to be seen if Tagovailoa — who is dealing with multiple fractured ribs — will be reinserted into the starting lineup at that time, or if Miami will continue to roll with Jacoby Brissett. Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson trade rumors continue to swirl.