The Miami Dolphins' preparations for the new NFL season have been thrown into turmoil after franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a significant knee injury during training.
Team medical staff confirmed the 26-year-old sustained a dislocated knee in what teammates described as a non-contact incident, immediately raising concerns about the severity of the damage.
Double Injury Blow for Dolphins
In a worrying development for head coach Mike McDaniel, wide receiver Tyreek Hill also required medical attention during the same session, though initial reports suggest his issue may be less serious than his quarterback's.
An eyewitness at the Dolphins' training facility reported seeing Tagovailoa go down without any contact from other players, immediately grabbing his left knee as medical staff rushed to his aid.
MRI Scan to Determine Severity
Tagovailoa has been scheduled for an immediate MRI scan to assess the full extent of the damage, with team officials anxiously awaiting results that could determine their championship aspirations this season.
The timing couldn't be worse for the Dolphins, who are just weeks away from their season opener and had been building their entire offensive strategy around their Pro Bowl quarterback.
History of Injuries Concerns Dolphins Faithful
This latest setback marks another chapter in Tagovailoa's concerning injury history, having previously dealt with multiple concussions that sidelined him for significant portions of last season.
Team insiders report a sombre mood around the facility as players and coaching staff come to terms with the potential loss of their offensive leader for an extended period.
What This Means for Miami's Season
Should the MRI reveal significant ligament damage, the Dolphins would likely turn to backup quarterbacks Mike White or Skylar Thompson to lead the team, a scenario that would dramatically alter their prospects in the highly competitive AFC East.
The coming days will be critical for both Tagovailoa's recovery timeline and the Dolphins' contingency planning as they face the possibility of starting the season without their $200 million quarterback.
