Particulars on Tua Tagovailoa's concussion, plus NFL Week 2 picks and gamers below most stress this week

Welcome to the Friday version of the Choose Six publication. 

Because the NFL will get prepared to move into the second Sunday of the season, all eyes are on Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins quarterback suffered a concussion on Thursday evening throughout Miami’s 31-10 loss to Buffalo. It is the third concussion of Tua’s profession. 

We’ll be having a look at what this damage would possibly imply for Tua’s future in at the moment’s publication, plus we’ll be handing out some grades for the sport. 

As all the time, here is your day by day reminder to inform all your folks to join the publication. To get them signed up, all it’s important to do is click here. 

1. Tua Tagovailoa suffers severe damage: Dolphins QB goes down with third profession concussion

The largest headline to return out of Thursday’s recreation is that Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in the course of the second half of Miami’s 31-10 loss to Buffalo. 

This is what we all know: 

• Tua pressured to go away recreation. The damage to Tua occurred with simply over 4 minutes left to play within the third quarter. On the play, the Dolphins had been dealing with a fourth-and-4 from Buffalo’s 13-yard line. With nobody open, Tua determined to take off and he acquired the primary down, however as a substitute of sliding to the bottom, he ran head first into Buffalo’s Damar Hamlin (You may see the tackle here). After falling to the bottom, Tua’s proper arm confirmed the fencing posture, which is among the main indicators of a concussion. Though Tua was in a position to speak off the sphere, he was instantly taken to Miami’s locker room and dominated out of the sport. 
• Tua’s concussion historical past. This marks the third time that Tua has suffered a concussion. The earlier two each occurred in the course of the 2022 season and Tua ended up lacking a complete of 5 video games (He missed two video games after the primary concussion and three after the second). Primarily based on his damage historical past, it appears virtually sure that he’ll miss a number of weeks on the minimal. The Dolphins do have a Week 6 bye, which suggests if Tua had been to take a seat Week 3 (Seahawks), Week 4 (Titans) and Week 5 (Patriots), he’d get an additional week on high of that. If Miami went that route, Tua would get 5 weeks to heal and would not return till Oct. 20 towards the Colts. That being stated, he might be out for much longer with CBS Sports activities HQ damage skilled Marty Jaramillo suggesting that Tua could miss eight to 12 weeks. 
• Mike McDaniel gives no restoration timeline. After the sport, the Dolphins coach made it clear that he is not enthusiastic about when Tua would possibly be capable to return to the sphere, “Proper now it is extra about getting a correct procedural analysis [on Friday] and taking it at some point at a time,” McDaniel stated. “The furthest factor from my thoughts is what’s the timeline. We simply want to guage and I am simply frightened about my teammate, like the remainder of the fellows are. However we’ll get extra data [on Friday] after which take it daily from there.”
• Tua thought-about retirement after the 2022 season. Though Tua was solely out for 5 video games in 2022, the concussions had been severe sufficient that he thought-about retirement. In April 2023, Tua was requested if he had considered retiring attributable to his concussions and he admitted that retirement had really been on his thoughts. “I believe I thought-about it for a time,” Tua stated. Now that he is suffered a 3rd concussion, it will be actually doable that he as soon as once more mulls over this selection. 
• Dolphins choices at QB. After Tua went out, Skylar Thompson got here in to complete the sport. If Tua is simply going to be out a number of weeks, Thompson will doubtless proceed to play, but when he’ll be out longer, the Dolphins would possibly look to convey somebody in. One possibility might be a reunion with Ryan Tannehill, who’s at present a free agent. We additionally took a take a look at 4 different choices that you can see here. For now although, McDaniel stated on Friday that the crew will probably be transferring ahead with Thompson, though they’re going to doubtless add one other QB for depth. 

Now we have a full story on Tua’s damage and you can check it out here. 

2. Grading the Bills‘ blowout win over Miami 

If we discovered one factor on Thursday evening, it is that the Payments nonetheless personal the Dolphins. Because of their 31-10 win over Miami, the Payments have now received 12 of their previous 13 video games towards the Dolphins. 

Listed here are our grades from final evening’s recreation: 

BILLS GRADE: A-

The Payments have received six straight video games towards the Dolphins and after they win, it is often due to Josh Allen, however on Thursday, the Payments QB primarily acquired the evening off. The Payments rode their protection to the win they usually additionally acquired some large assist from James Cook on the offensive aspect of the ball. Prepare dinner had a breakout recreation that noticed him whole 95 yards and three touchdowns on simply 12 touches. Prepare dinner was the offensive spark on an evening when the Payments did not want Allen to go off (He threw for 139 yards and rushed for simply two). Defensively, the Payments beat up on Miami’s speedy offense. The protection picked off Tua Tagovailoa 3 times, with two of these coming from Ja’Marcus Ingram, who had a pick-six within the third quarter. Sean McDermott simply appears to be one step forward of Mike McDaniel always every time these two groups play. The Payments have received 5 straight AFC East titles, and with this win, they proved that the division title is as soon as once more going to undergo Buffalo.  

Payments notes

• Josh Allen would not lose on Thursday evening. The Payments quarterback is unbeatable on Thursday nights. Allen went into the sport with a 6-0 profession report and he is now 7-0 after main the Payments to a different win. Allen is now tied with Carson Wentz for probably the most Thursday evening wins in NFL historical past and not using a loss. 
• James Prepare dinner has breakout recreation. The Payments operating again had three touchdowns they usually all got here within the FIRST HALF, which made him the primary Payments operating again since Thurman Thomas in 1992 to attain three touchdowns within the first half of a recreation.  

DOLPHINS GRADE: D

This was an unpleasant efficiency from top-to-bottom, beginning with Mike McDaniel, who was fully out-coached by Sean McDermott. The Dolphins’ offense sputtered towards the Payments protection with Tua Tagovailoa throwing three interceptions, together with an unpleasant pick-six within the third quarter. The opposite two picks weren’t Tua’s fault, however they occurred as a result of the Dolphins passing recreation was out of sync (Tyreek Hill has simply three catches for twenty-four yards). In addition to the turnovers, the Dolphins offense additionally failed on 4 large fourth down performs they usually solely scored a landing on one in all their 4 journeys to the purple zone. Mainly, each time the Dolphins wanted to give you an enormous play, they could not do it. The Dolphins protection really held the Payments to below 250 yards, however that effort went to waste, as a result of Miami could not do something on offense. 

Dolphins notes

• Dolphins coping with a whole lot of accidents. In addition to Tagovailoa, the Dolphins additionally misplaced two offensive linemen on Thursday evening with Terron Armstead (shoulder) and Robert Jones (shoulder) each being pressured to go away attributable to damage. Jeff Wilson (indirect) was additionally misplaced to an damage within the recreation. 

You may take a look at our full takeaways from the game here.

3. Gamers and coaches below probably the most stress heading into Week 2

While you come out of the gate and fall in your face in Week 1, that places numerous stress on you to bounce again with an enormous exhibiting in Week 2. With that in thoughts, Jeff Kerr determined to try a number of gamers and coaches across the NFL who’re below probably the most stress this week after flopping in Week 1. 

• Bengals coach Zac Taylor. “The Bengals haven’t been sturdy starters below Taylor, and the Week 1 loss to the Patriots additional proved that time. The Bengals have misplaced six straight video games in Weeks 1 and a couple of, and their offense has usually regarded stale to begin the 12 months. A loss in Week 2 may make Taylor’s seat scorching, even when it would not must be.”
• Falcons QB Kirk Cousins. “Cousins regarded like a 36-year-old quarterback coming off a ruptured Achilles in his Falcons debut, finishing 61.5% of his passes for 155 yards with a landing and two interceptions (59.0 score) in a Week 1 loss to the Steelers. … Cousins will probably be given a while to work out the kinks within the offense, however the Falcons ought to be higher with a quarterback they gave $180 million assured. There’s additionally Michael Penix ready for a possibility to unseat Cousins. Cousins wants an excellent efficiency to erase some doubts in regards to the signing.”
• Giants QB Daniel Jones. “For the reason that begin of final season, Jones has thrown extra landing passes to the opposite crew (3) than he has to his personal crew (2). Jones is 1-7 with two move touchdowns in his final eight begins after he had two passing touchdowns in a 2022 Wild Card win on the Vikings (the Giants have been outscored 249-81 in these eight video games). The Giants merely aren’t aggressive with Jones, but he has an opportunity to avoid wasting his job towards a crew he is really had success (Washington Commanders). Not solely does Jones want a win (5-1-1 towards Washington in profession), he must play effectively with a purpose to halt the quarterback speak for not less than yet one more week.”

Kerr’s listing features a whole of 5 gamers and if you wish to see who else is dealing with some main stress in Week 2, then check out his full story here. 

4. NFL Week 2 picks: Browns and Bengals fall to 0-2

The opening week of the season may be robust to foretell, however we made it out alive. Now we have 5 NFL writers — Pete Prisco, together with Will Brinson, Jordan Dajani, Tyler Sullivan and myself — handing out picks each week and for the opening week of the season, we mixed to go 3-2 with the picks that we supplied within the publication. 

For those who’re new right here, here is how issues work: I am going to offer you one Week 2 decide from every author after which direct you to the remainder of their picks for the week. That approach, for those who like their decide, you’ll click on over and take a look at all of their Week 2 picks, however for those who hate their decide, you’ll be able to ignore the remainder of their picks and transfer on along with your life. 

• Pete Prisco — Jaguars (-3) 24-19 over Browns. From Prisco: “The Jaguars blew a fourth-quarter lead in dropping to the Dolphins, whereas Cleveland was mauled at house by Dallas. Deshaun Watson was terrible. This can be a robust ask to bounce again on the highway towards a Jaguars protection that slowed Miami. Search for Jacksonville to get within the win column. ” For the remainder of Prisco’s Week 2 picks, be sure to click here.
• Tyler Sullivan — Cowboys (-6.5) 30-20 over Saints. From Sullivan: “I belief the Cowboys expertise — particularly on protection — greater than the Saints. It is also price stating that the Cowboys had been sensational at AT&T Stadium in 2023. Dak Prescott and Co. had six wins final season by 20 or extra factors at house. The Cowboys are additionally 6-1 ATS of their final seven video games as a favourite of not less than 5 factors.” For the remainder of Sullivan’s Week 2 picks, be sure to click here.
• Will Brinson — Broncos (+3) to cowl towards Steelers. From Brinson: “The Broncos in all probability aren’t an awesome soccer crew (we’ll see!) and Bo Nix cannot throw downfield (once more, we’ll see!). However they’re at house, with an enormous elevation benefit that is performed out early within the season. Additionally, Mike Tomlin has by no means crushed Sean Payton face to face, going 0-3 towards the Broncos head coach.” For the remainder of Brinson’s Week 2 best bets, be sure to click here.
• Jordan Dajani — Chiefs (-5.5) 30-23 over Bengals. From Dajani: “Joe Burrow is 3-1 towards Patrick Mahomes, however he is simply 1-8 in his profession in Weeks 1-2. Mahomes then again is 11-2 in Weeks 1-2. The Bengals regarded pitiful at house towards the crew many thought-about to be the worst within the NFL in Week 1, and now we count on them to show it round in Arrowhead with Tee Higgins nonetheless coping with a hamstring damage? Plus, is Burrow’s proper wrist OK? With this quantity below six, I am going to say the reigning Super Bowl champions cowl.” For the remainder of Dajani’s Week 2 greatest bets, be sure to click here.
• John Breech — Patriots (+3) 19-16 over Seahawks. I do not know how good both of those groups are, however I do know this: The Seahawks must fly throughout the nation in Week 2 for a recreation that kicks off at 10 a.m. on their physique clocks. The Seahawks are 2-5 of their previous seven video games which have kicked off at 10 a.m. on their physique clocks. Oh, and that is the Patriots’ house opener, which I believe would possibly spark them simply sufficient to upset the Sehawks. For the rest of my Week 2 picks, be sure to click here. 

For extra Week 2 NFL picks, you’ll be able to check out out our CBSSports.com picks page here.

5. NFL daring predictions for Week 2

After providing you with some daring predictions for the ENTIRE SEASON final week, we will tone issues down this week and solely offer you daring predictions for the upcoming slate of video games. Garrett Podell got here up with 5 daring predictions for Week 2 and he is acquired some fairly wild ones that simply would possibly hit. 

This is a take a look at his predictions for Week 2:  

• 1. Packers QB Malik Willis outduels Colts QB Anthony Richardson. “That is understandably daring as Willis hasn’t proven he is usually a dropback passer. …  Nevertheless, he regarded way more polished as a passer within the 2024 preseason in Tennessee, offering hope for main enchancment. Willis showcases that enchancment in head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense stuffed with younger weapons towards an AFC South crew he has seen a whole lot of movie of in his two years with the Titans whereas main Inexperienced Bay to victory towards his previous squad.”
• 2. Baker Mayfield throws not less than 3 TD passes in upset win over Lions. “The Lions received each matchups towards the Buccaneers in 2023, together with the NFC Divisional Spherical. This recreation can also be being performed in Detroit, which is why the Lions are 7.5-point house favorites. Nevertheless, Baker Mayfield goes to do one thing he did not do final season: lead the Buccaneers to victory towards Detroit. Yeah, he picked on a nasty Washington Commanders protection in Week 1, throwing for an NFL-high 4 touchdowns final week, however that is form of who Mayfield is now. He is thrown 18 touchdowns to solely 4 interceptions in his final seven video games performed, together with the playoffs. Why is Mayfield so on hearth? Easy. He’s lastly on the identical web page together with his high two targets, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.”
• 3. Cardinals upset the Rams. “Rams head coach Sean McVay is 12-2 within the common season towards the Cardinals, which is absolute dominance. Nevertheless, his squad is strolling wounded. The Rams positioned Professional Bowl large receiver Puka Nacua and two offensive line starters, left sort out Joe Noteboom and heart Steve Avila, on injured reserve this week. … With the 49ers up subsequent, this looks like a entice recreation for the Rams, and the Cardinals fly by way of this matchup with the win.”

Garrett made a complete of 5 daring predictions for Week 2 and also you check out all of them here. 

6. Additional factors: Bengals already trash-talking the Chiefs

It has been a busy 24 hours within the NFL, and because it’s almost unimaginable to maintain monitor of every part that occurred, I went forward and put collectively a roundup for you.

• Xavier Worthy takes verbal shot from Bengals. In January 2023, the Bengals got here up with “Burrowhead” and it backfired. This 12 months, they’re calling out Xavier Worthy. Throughout an interview this week, Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt stated the speedy Worthy cannot actually do something apart from “run straight.” There is a 100% probability that Andy Reid is now going to be sure that Worthy scores two touchdowns towards the Bengals on Sunday. You can read Taylor-Britt’s full comments here.
• Hollywood Brown headed for surgical procedure: The Chiefs will probably be with out their speedy large receiver for not less than the subsequent 4 video games and doubtless much more after Brown was placed on injured reserve, per NFL Media, forward of shoulder surgical procedure. Brown was injured within the preseason opener and missed the Chiefs’ Week 1 victory towards the Ravens.
• Tee Higgins not pleased with hypothesis that he is faking an damage. Three days earlier than the NFL season began, Tee Higgins stated he felt one of the best he is ever felt going into the a season. Nevertheless, he did not play in Week 1, which has led followers to take a position that he is likely to be faking an damage as a result of he is sad together with his contract standing. The Bengals receiver responded to those claims on Thursday. “I simply do not perceive why followers assume I am faking an damage, when for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over,” Higgins told ESPN. “I simply do not perceive why they assume I am faking an damage. It would not make sense to me.” The receiver has some extent right here: With Higgins more likely to turn out to be a free agent, he must have an enormous season to maximise his worth and it will not assist him get high greenback if groups consider that he is damage inclined. 
• NFLPA not pleased with Chiefs dealing with of Kyle Van Noy damage. NFLPA government director Lloyd Howell has weighed in on the state of affairs involving Kyle Van Noy and he is not very glad about it. “I believe this was an unlucky state of affairs the place that didn’t happen,” Howell stated. “Thank God for Kyle’s state of affairs [that] it wasn’t worse. However right here we’re with the primary recreation of the season, we acquired many extra video games to play. We simply cannot have that.” Van Noy suffered a fractured orbital bone in Week 1 and it took almost 45 minutes earlier than the Chiefs’ ophthalmologist was in a position to see him. You may learn more about Van Noy’s situation here.