Dolphins GM Grier: Tua Tagovailoa Is Our Starting Quarterback

Monday, Jan. 16

Dolphins Affirm Commitment to Tua

The Dolphins are sticking with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as their starter, and they expect him to be fully healthy next season, general manager Chris Grier told reporters.

"Tua Tagovailoa is our starting quarterback. I don't know if I can say that any more clearly," Grier said. "We fully expect him back next year, 100 percent, ready to go."

The Dolphins have been assured by team doctors and outside consultants that Tagovailoa is not more susceptible to concussions than any other NFL player despite suffering two documented concussions this season.

Tagovailoa's first concussion required him to be stretchered off the field against the Bengals on Oct. 2 and the most recent occurred on Christmas against the Packers. Tagovailoa missed the Dolphins' final two regular season games and their playoff loss against the Bills on Sunday.

Analyst Greg Jennings of The 33rd Team believes if the Dolphins are true to their word and stick with Tagovailoa, they must build up their offensive line.

"You gotta address the offensive line," Jennings said. "A large part of why Tua Tagovailoa, Teddy Bridgewater and others suffered injures is because of the lack of protection."

Bengals' Williams, Cappa 'Week-to-Week'

Bengals left tackle Jonah Williams is believed to have suffered a dislocated kneecap, NFL Media reported. Cincinnati will take it week-to-week with both Williams and injured guard Alex Cappa (ankle).

Williams left the Bengals' wild-card game against the Ravens after suffering the injury and will have further testing done Monday to evaluate the extent of the injury.

The Bengals are already without starting right tackle La'El Collins. Should Williams and Cappa struggle to recover, Cincinnati could be forced to take on the Buffalo Bills without three of their regular starting offensive lineman.

Ravens, Lamar Will Talk Long-Term Deal

The Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson are expected to begin negotiations on a long-term contract extension soon, NFL Media reported. If they can't reach an agreement, the Ravens will use the franchise tag on Jackson.

Jackson missed Baltimore's final five regular season games and playoff loss to the Bengals on Monday night with a PCL sprain. Jackson did not travel with the team to Cincinnati, which isn't overly uncommon for injured players.

If the Ravens do franchise tag Jackson, they'll have to decide whether to use the exclusive-rights tag or the non-exclusive tag. The exclusive-rights tag would prevent other teams from submitting contract offers to Jackson this offseason.

Giants Want Jones, Barkley Back

The Giants are expected to bring back quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley for next season, NFL Media reported.

New York started contract extension talks with Barkley during the 2022 offseason and could continue those during this offseason. As for Jones, he could receive a short-term contract extension or he could get franchise tagged.

Whichever player doesn't receive an extension is expected to be franchise tagged.

Buccaneers Activate Jensen

The Buccaneers activated center Ryan Jensen from injured reserve, the team announced. The Buccaneers take on the Cowboys Monday night with a chance to claim the final spot in the NFL's Divisional Round.

Jensen is expected to suit up and play for Tampa Bay, his first appearance of the season. Jensen is in his ninth professional season and his fifth with the Buccaneers. In 2021, Jensen was named a Pro Bowler for the first time.