Lamar Jackson reacts as Dolphins sign ex-Ravens Pro Bowler as QB insurance after Tua Tagovailoa's concussion
Tua Tagovailoa's concussion on Thursday Night Football made national headlines, once again prompting an intense debate around the Miami Dolphins quarterback's NFL future. Tagovailoa suffered a hit from Bills safety Damar Hamlin, though the tackle was not an illegal one.
With Tagovailoa unavailable for Week 3 owing to the NFL's concussion protocol, head coach Mike McDaniel made it clear that they were looking at their options with just one quarterback on the roster after Tagovailoa's injury - Skylar Thompson.
Early on Monday, September 16, the Dolphins made a move to build on their QB depth, poaching former Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley from the Baltimore Ravens practice squad.
Lamar Jackson was quick to take notice of his former backup signing with the Dolphins, posting a string of fire emojis on social media platform X to denote his approval of the move.
Huntley made the Pro Bowl in 2022, albeit as an alternate after taking over from Jackson after the two-time NFL MVP suffered a knee injury.
Will Tua Tagovailoa retire after his fourth concussion?
A number of NFL personalities including Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe urged Tua Tagovailoa to consider calling time on his NFL career after he suffered a fourth concussion in five years going back to his days with Alabama.
After the TNF game in Week 2, McDaniel urged fans and reporters to refrain from asking that question, instead asking them to lend their support for his quarterback.
Late last week, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported an update on Tagovailoa's plans for his career.
"He has already begun seeing concussion specialists and will continue to do so," Rapoport reported. "There is no timeline to return. Tua will be back when he and his doctors deem him healthy and ready."
The Dolphins committed $212.4 million to Tua Tagovailoa and went all-in on building a roster to contend this year. However, with their QB1 unlikely to return anytime soon, McDaniel will have to temper his expectations for the season.