Why is Tua Tagovailoa not playing tonight vs Patriots in NFL Week 17? 

The Miami Dolphins will be without the services of Tua Tagovailoa tonight against the New England Patriots. They're hanging on to a slim lead in the Wild Card race for the AFC and this is a key game, as New England are currently on the outside looking in.

Tagovailoa will be unable to suit up for the crucial matchup thanks to his second concussion this year. According to Ari Meirov, the Dolphins grew concerned.

Meirov tweeted:

"Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa was watching film with Mike McDaniel on Monday and he struggled to remember some of the decisions he made during their loss to Green Bay. That's when they got concerned and had him tested for a concussion, per Jay Glazer."

The quarterback began struggling to remember things from a brutal loss to the Green Bay Packers. It has since been confirmed that he suffered his second concussion of the season.

Tagovailoa suffered an injury that looked like a concussion and suited up for a short week and suffered an official concussion.

He hit his head on the turf against Green Bay and played the second half, where he committed three inexplicable turnovers.

With all eyes on how the Dolphins are handling this situation and with Tagovailoa's health, he is inactive today.

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Is Tua Tagovailoa finished for the season?

After his second concussion (though he may have sustained a third as well), Tua Tagovailoa's season is in doubt. He may not be able to suit up next week either. With the Dolphins not guaranteed to continue into the postseason yet, that may be the end of the road.

Tua Tagovailoa was taken to a hospital earlier this year

There is also concern over the quarterback and many pundits believe he should be shut down for the season. His health matters more than the team's winning chances, and former players and analysts think it shouldn't even be a question.

The Dolphins haven't stated their plans yet and Tagovailoa may be fine next week, but there's definitely a chance his season is over. With serious health concerns, that may truly be for the best.