Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s outing against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 did not last long.
In total, Tagovailoa played nine snaps. On the final one, Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa laid a heavy, but clean, hit on him.
Epenesa came off the edge unblocked and got an open shot on the QB to breakup a pass attempt on the Dolphins’ first of four failed attempts on fourth down.
Thankfully for the Dolphins, it appears Tagovailoa avoided any major issue but it’s also clear why he couldn’t return to the game. The hit put Tagovailoa in a lot of discomfort.
Because of that, he couldn’t return on Sunday, even though bones were not broken.
Per NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero, that’s the same obstacle Tagovailoa and the Dolphins will also have to face moving forward. Can the QB play through the pain?:
Following Week 2, the Bills won’t see the Dolphins again until Week 8. In all likelihood, without serious injury occurring, Tagovailoa will likely have returned to full health by then.
Still, the Bills are always concerned with the Dolphins when it comes to the AFC East standings. Without Tagovailoa’s mobility under center on Sunday, it was clear Miami’s offensive line has a problem in pass protection.
Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett has had his fair share of NFL successes, but he’s not as mobile in the pocket.
The Bills took advantage of that, and other teams might be able to do the same against Miami. That could help the Bills grow a healthy lead in the division over the next few weeks, at least on the Dolphins, if things go according to plan.
Also worth noting, Miami’s bye isn’t until Week 14.