Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa provides update after concussion: ‘I’m feeling much better’

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa gave an update on his status for the first time since sustaining a concussion Thursday night, writing on Twitter Friday afternoon that he’s “feeling much better.”

“I want to thank everyone for all of their prayers and support since the game last night,” he said. “It was difficult to not be able to finish the game and be there with my teammates, but I am grateful for the support and care I’ve received from the Dolphins, my friends and family, and all the people who have reached out.

“I’m feeling much better and focused on recovering so I can get back out on the field with my teammates.”

Tagovailoa was carted off the field on a stretcher in the second quarter of the Dolphins’ loss to the Cincinnati Bengals after hitting his head on the ground at Paycor Stadium following a sack. His hands tensed up in a manner consistent with a fencing response — a classic symptom of a concussion — and he lay motionless for several minutes while trainers attended to him.

The Dolphins said Tagovailoa was conscious and had movement in all his extremities as he was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He was later discharged from the hospital and flew back to Miami with the team.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel on Friday said Tagovailoa had a headache Thursday night and Friday morning but “his personality was definitely normal Tua.”

Initial test results revealed no broken bones or fractures, according to a league source, and when McDaniel spoke to reporters Friday afternoon, he said Tagovailoa was in the process of finishing an MRI.

McDaniel, who said Tagovailoa remains in concussion protocol, did not give a timeline on Tagovailoa’s potential absence. However, he said Teddy Bridgewater, who entered the game at quarterback, would start if Tagovailoa has to miss any time.

The Dolphins play at the New York Jets on Oct. 9.