The Miami Dolphins are in a difficult position heading into the second half of the 2024 NFL season, with a 2-7 record and their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. After back-to-back losses, the question has emerged: Should the Dolphins bench their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, for the remainder of the season? The idea of resting Tagovailoa, who has battled concussion issues over the past two years, has gained traction, especially considering the team’s diminishing chances of making the playoffs.
Tagovailoa, who has dealt with multiple concussions throughout his career, was cleared to return to the field after missing time earlier this season due to another concussion. While he has remained healthy in his two most recent games, the Dolphins’ performance has been disappointing. Two narrow losses to quality opponents have left the team with a 2-7 record, all but extinguishing their playoff aspirations. With the playoffs looking increasingly unlikely, many are questioning whether it makes sense to keep Tagovailoa in the lineup.
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report has argued that the Dolphins may want to prioritize Tagovailoa’s long-term health over any short-term ambitions, especially if Super Bowl contention is no longer a realistic goal. Given his history of head injuries, the risk of further concussions could be detrimental to both his career and his personal well-being. Taking him off the field for the remainder of the year could allow him to rest, heal, and focus on treatment, which would be in the best interest of his future in the NFL.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the broader context in which this decision would be made. Dolphins fans have been starved for consistent success, with the team making back-to-back playoff appearances in the past two seasons after a five-year postseason drought. The team’s desire to compete, combined with head coach Mike McDaniel’s determination to fight until the very end, makes it unlikely that they will bench Tagovailoa while still mathematically alive in the playoff race. Miami’s leadership has shown a commitment to making a run for the postseason, and pulling Tagovailoa would be a major admission that the season is effectively over, which could dampen team morale and fan enthusiasm.
Yet, as soon as Miami is officially eliminated from playoff contention—likely after a loss in Week 10 or Week 11—the case for shutting down Tagovailoa becomes stronger. With eight games remaining in the season, it may make more sense to preserve the quarterback’s health and allow him time to recover. If the Dolphins are out of the playoff race, playing Tagovailoa further increases the risk of another head injury, which could have long-term consequences.Â
Additionally, there is the matter of Miami’s backup quarterbacks. Skylar Thompson, Tyler Huntley, and Tim Boyle have all struggled in 2024, and it’s clear that Miami may need to invest in a more competent backup if they plan to continue with Tagovailoa as the starter moving forward. If the season is lost, the final games could serve as an extended tryout for the backups or a chance to bring in a more capable veteran to fill the role. This would allow the Dolphins to assess their quarterback depth while also mitigating the risk of Tagovailoa suffering another serious injury.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on Miami’s playoff situation and the coaching staff’s long-term view of Tagovailoa’s career. For now, with their playoff hopes still alive, it’s unlikely the Dolphins will make a drastic move. But if the season slips further out of reach, it might be wise for the franchise to make the difficult but prudent choice of resting Tagovailoa and prioritizing his health moving forward.
