Steelers Playoff Watch: Tua Tagovailoa Out for Dolphins vs. Patriots

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed on Wednesday that starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has indeed suffered a concussion and will miss his team’s Week 17 game against the New England Patriots. Teddy Bridgewater will start at quarterback for the Dolphins, who the Steelers need to lose in order to remain active in the AFC playoff race.

Mike McDaniel being very careful in not going into any detail on Tua timeline, what treatment or tests he’s undergoing or what’s next in his recovery.

“This is a private time for him to focus on his health.”

(🎥 @MiamiDolphins) pic.twitter.com/Vyygf1bboL

— Will Manso (@WillManso) December 28, 2022

Tagovailoa was injured when he was tackled from behind and hit his head on the turf. He remained in the game and finished the contest, but struggled as the Dolphins lost their fourth straight game. The Dolphins came under fire for their handling of Tagovailoa earlier this year and the NFLPA is investigating his latest concussion, per CBS Sports.

The Dolphins, Steelers, Patriots and New York Jets are vying for one remaining Wild Card spot. The Steelers need the Dolphins to lose to the Patriots and essentially need to the Jets to lose to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 in order to remain in the hunt.

Tagovailoa is in the NFL concussion protocol for the second time this season and also suffered a back injury. Bridgewater has played significant playing time in two game and made one start. The Dolphins are 0-2 in those games.

Meanwhile, the New York Jets are getting their quarterback back, as Mike White is set to return from a rib injury, and Zach Wilson has been permanently benched.

Both the Jets vs. Seahawks and Dolphins vs. Patriots games kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, so the Steelers will know if they got the help they need before their Week 17 game against the Baltimore Ravens, which has been flexed to an 8:15 p.m. kickoff on Sunday Night Football.