“Real Optimism” Tua Tagovailoa Makes Full Recovery From Hip Injury, Possibly Play Next Year

According to Matt Zenitz and Michael Casagrande of Al.com, there’s “real optimism” Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa will make a full recovery from the dislocated hip he suffered on Saturday and possibly even return to playing football next year.

Sources with knowledge of the situation have told Al.com that Tagovailoa has a “good shot” at being cleared to return to football activities in six-to-eight months and a “good chance” of playing football next season.

Tagovailoa is set to undergo hip surgery on Monday, according to orthopedist Dr. Lyle Cain.

“For the past 24 hours our medical team has consulted with multiple orthopedic experts across the country, who specialize in hip injuries and surgeries,” Cain said in a statement. “Based on that research, Tua is being flown to Houston tonight to be evaluated and is scheduled to have hip surgery Monday. As previously stated, we anticipate a full recovery. The main focus has been, and will remain, on Tua, his family, and making sure we are providing them the best medical care possible.”

Along with a dislocated hip, Tagovailoa also suffered a posterior wall fracture, which is similar to the injury that ended Bo Jackson’s career. However, the good news is that doctors were able to relocate his hip quickly, which should help his long-term recovery. 

Tagovailoa was transported to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Birmingham by helicopter during Saturday’s game.

Tagovailoa is one of the top quarterback prospects in the country and has been in the discussion to be the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s draft. 

For his career, Tagovailoa has completed 69.3 percent of his passes for 7,442 yards, 87 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over the course of three seasons and 32 games. He has also rushed for 340 yards and nine touchdowns. 

We’ll have more regarding Tagovailoa as the news is available.