Tua Tagovailoa Placed On IR, Will Miss First Patriots Matchup

The Miami Dolphins will feature a different quarterback under center when they visit the New England Patriots on Oct. 6 during Week 5 of the NFL season.

Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who received a major extension this offseason, will not suit up for that game after the Dolphins placed him on injured reserve Tuesday. The Alabama product suffered a concussion against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football in Week 2. Tagovailoa will not be eligible tor return until Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Tagovailoa reportedly plans to keep playing football despite numerous concussions to this point in his NFL career. In the meantime, the Dolphins could look around for exterior options to fill in at quarterback during his absence, including several former Patriots.

After earning Pro Bowl honors and leading the league in passing yards last season, Tagovailoa started this year 40-of-62 through the air for 483 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. The Dolphins and Patriots each went 1-1 to start the season.

The Dolphins visit Gillette Stadium in Week 5 in what could be Tom Brady’s first broadcast of a Patriots game for FOX. New England last took the season series from Miami in 2016 and Tagovailoa holds a 6-0 record against the Patriots that will be put on hold until at least November — when New England visits Miami.