When Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagavailoa was injured against the Cincinnati Bengals during a Thursday Night Football game, all one could do was hope and pray that the 24-year-old quarterback would be okay.
After a controversial injury last week against Buffalo — one that looked like a concussion but was ruled a back injury — it almost seemed inhuman that he had to play another football game just four days later.
The NFLPA is investigating the Dolphins’ handling of the Bills incident, and the team doctor was fired after Tua’s latest injury, leaving many questioning how he was allowed to play.
Fortunately, initial reports say that nothing is broken in Tua. However, it is not known when he will play next time.
That’s what we’re picking up now – to the football aspect of Tua’s injury.
Previous three podcasts and columns:
The Dolphins were 3-0 and Tua had had a terrific season heading into the game against the Bengals.
His backup, Teddy Bridgewater, played well in his place, but the Dolphins suffered their first loss of the season.
The good news is that the Dolphins’ next six-game schedule isn’t just a gauntlet — they play the Jets, Vikings, Steelers, Lions, Bears and Browns.
So, can the Dolphins do enough to stay in the playoff hunt, or will they fall apart after losing their team leader?
To help us make sense of all things Miami, I welcome Joe Shad of the Palm Beach Post as the latest guest on the USA TODAY Network-powered “Florida *State* Sports Podcast.”
Joe and his colleague Hal Habib offer the best Dolphins coverage you’ll find anywhere, so you know you’re getting the best information available.
He’ll talk about Teddy Bridgewater and, if he’s injured, the rookie under center for the Dolphins.
We’ll discuss this week’s AFC East battle against the New York Jets, who beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday to improve to 2-2.
Jets QB Zach Wilson returned from injury against the Steelers and threw for 252 yards and a touchdown to lead the team to a late game victory.
“The Jets have talent at the skill positions — receiver and running back — as well as some good pass rushers, cafes and blitzers. So it’s definitely an interesting game,” Joe says during the podcast. “It’s always interesting when the Dolphins and the Jets come together. … Everybody’s better off when both the Dolphins and the Jets are good.”
We also discuss the state of the team’s offense without Tua and how important it will be to continue to have all of its skill players such as Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Chase Edmonds and others in the game.
And we’ll break down the slate of upcoming games and see what Joe thinks the team can do.
If you’re a Dolphins fan or just love the NFL, you should definitely check out this podcast.
Join the tens of thousands who have downloaded us and find out why we bring you the best sports breakdowns in the state.
We can be downloaded wherever you listen to podcasts, or just type “Florida *State* Sports Podcast” into your favorite search engine. We can also be found on any of the 17 USA TODAY-Network Florida websites.
If that’s your thing, you can check out previous shows featuring current and former professional athletes and coaches, as well as our stable of journalists who cover fights and write columns, all of which are related to the Sunshine State.
Contact Walters at twalters@gannett.com