Tua Tagovailoa still in protocol to miss Pro Bowl, source says

MIAMI — the dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa He remains in concussion protocol and will not participate in next week’s Pro Bowl, a source told ESPN on Friday.

Tagovailoa was named the first alternate Pro Bowler and would replace both Joe Burrow or Patrick Mahomes, with two quarterbacks playing in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game and one going to Super Bowl LVII. However, Tagovailoa entered the protocol on Dec. 26 after suffering a concussion in a loss to Miami. Green Bay Packers the day before and lost the team’s final three games of the season, losing to the wild card Buffalo Bills.

According to the source, Tagovailoa’s time in the protocol has been deliberate, as he meets with various doctors and specialists. There have been no setbacks as the Dolphins prioritize long-term health.

The third-year quarterback set career highs in passing yards and touchdowns this season while leading the NFL in passer rating. He was also the top vote-getter in the Pro Bowl fan voting.

Tagovailoa missed most of six games after suffering concussions in Week 4 and Week 16. The NFL and NFLPA conducted two joint reviews of how head injuries were handled this season. Tagovailoa was cleared to play in Week 3 after hitting his head and tripping shortly thereafter.

The NFL changed its concussion protocol as a result of that joint study.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said earlier this month that Tagovailoa is the team’s starting quarterback going into the 2023 season and that the doctors he spoke with do not think the quarterback’s concussions will increase his risk of head injuries going forward.

The Dolphins have until May 1 to exercise Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option.