Alabama Crimson Tide legend Tua Tagovailoa can't seem to escape bad luck.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has reached a very odd stage of his NFL career. Just three years removed from leading the NFL in passing yards with the Miami Dolphins, Tagovailoa — now with the Atlanta Falcons — can't seem to catch a break.
Tagovailoa was released by the Dolphins back in February, less than two years after signing a four-year, $212 million contract extension. Injuries played a significant role in Tagovailoa's demise in Miami, and the Dolphins were ready to move on.
He then joined the Falcons, a team with an obvious need under center given the struggles of Michael Penix Jr. and the non-existent depth behind him. And with Atlanta playing in a dome and in a warm-weather NFC South, you would think Tagovailoa would flourish.
But just before Week 1 of the 2026 NFL regular season, Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury, an issue that has kept him sidelined each of the first two games ... and even had some wondering if the Falcons would cut him. Yes, even though Tagovailoa signed for the veteran's minimum.
NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter reported over the weekend that Atlanta has no intention of releasing him, so it doesn't look like Tagovailoa is going anywhere.
But, with Penix appearing ready to return from a torn ACL against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3, it now looks like Tagovailoa will be coming off the bench for the Falcons.
What does Tua need to do in order to catch a break?
Tagovailoa was absolutely in line to be the Falcons' starting quarterback this season, and he had all of the tools necessary — a great running back, good weapons and a cushy stadium — to succeed. But it looks like he might not even get the opportunity.
Yes, there have always been Tua doubters who felt he wasn't a franchise quarterback, even the year he paced the NFL in passing yards. Or when he posted passer ratings north of 100 three seasons in a row.
There is also no question he didn't play his best football last year. Still, the hard luck that has followed Tagovailoa throughout his career is truly mystifying.
Alabama fans remember just how fantastic Tagovailoa was in Tuscaloosa. He was brilliant. Even then, though, he experienced some misfortune, suffering a brutal hip injury during his final season with the Crimson Tide.
Tagovailoa has certainly made good money in the NFL. He made a Pro Bowl. He's had his moments. But his career never quite materialized like it should have.
Is he partially to blame? Sure, but the truth is that the extenuating circumstances surrounding him became too much to bear.
