Tua’s Season in Pieces – From Head Hits to Hip Hassles

At a Glance:

Player: Tua Tagovailoa
Position: Quarterback
Team: Dolphins
Injury: Hip Injury
Projected Recovery Time: 2-8 weeks

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out for Week 18 after a lingering hip issue sidelined him during practices throughout the week. Initially listed as questionable, the team downgraded his status to doubtful before confirming he wouldn’t play. This marks another frustrating chapter in an injury-riddled season for Tagovailoa, who has already missed four games earlier this year due to a concussion.

The hip injury was first reported ahead of the Dolphins’ Week 16 matchup, but Tua managed to take the field. However, it seems the issue may have worsened, leading to his absence this week after a rough hit against the Cleveland Browns. The situation raises concerns, particularly as it may be reminiscent of the devastating hip dislocation he suffered in college during November 2019. That injury was significant and sidelined him for months, sparking questions about his durability heading into the NFL.

If the current injury mirrors his college hip dislocation, it could involve a potentially serious disruption to one of the body’s most stable joints. Unlike the shoulder, which is prone to frequent dislocations due to its design, the hip is tightly supported by the pelvis. This provides greater stability, but when an injury does occur, it often results in severe complications that require extensive recovery.

90% of hip dislocations happen posteriorly, the same that Tua experienced in college. This is when the knee or leg is driven backward. Falling off a ladder or the impact from the knees on a dashboard in a car accident are common causes. The reason this injury is such a big deal is due to the blood vessels and nerves that can be compromised. When the hip is dislocated these structures are stretched and in severe cases can be torn. This can lead to nerve damage which causes pain and weakness throughout the leg. If blood vessels are torn it can affect the blood supply to the top of the leg bone. When this happens, the bone will die which requires a hip replacement. For the average patient, this is not the worst thing due to how advanced hip replacement surgeries are, but for the athlete, it can be career-ending.

Tagovailoa has been battling through a season filled with physical setbacks, and this latest issue highlights the challenges he faces in staying healthy. With Miami in a tight playoff race, the Dolphins will need to make crucial adjustments to fill the void left by their star quarterback. For now, the focus remains on Tua’s health and long-term recovery.

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/12/30/tua-tagovailoa-injury-updates-return-date-week-18/77326925007/