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Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa out for Week 6 vs. Vikings; Skylar Thompson Will Start at QB

Erin WalshOctober 12, 2022

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 29: Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks to pass during the game against the Miami Dolphins and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 29, 2022, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH.  (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Icon Sportswire

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out for the Week 6 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Wednesday.

"I don't see a scenario. ... I don't see him being active. And I do not plan to have him play," McDaniel said.

Rookie Skylar Thompson is expected to get the start. If Teddy Bridgewater is cleared to play, he will likely back up Thompson, McDaniel added.

Tagovailoa has missed one game since suffering a concussion on a scary hit that sent him to the hospital in a Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It came just four days after he exhibited concussion-like symptoms in a Week 3 matchup against the Buffalo Bills but was allowed to return to the game.

An investigation into the handling of Tagovailoa's injuries resulted in the NFL's decision to make changes to its concussion protocol.

Before being sidelined, Tagovailoa completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns against three interceptions, in addition to rushing for a score. He had the Dolphins atop the AFC East and looked like a breakout candidate.

With Tagovailoa out, Bridgewater filled in as Miami's starting quarterback. However, he also entered concussion protocol in Sunday's loss to the New York Jets and was replaced by Thompson.

The Dolphins are 3-2 on the season, third place in the AFC East. Their playoff hopes likely hinge on Tagovailoa's health.