MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel left open the possibility Monday that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could be placed on injured reserve pending the results of ongoing medical tests on a concussion suffered Thursday against Buffalo.

McDaniel said Tagovailoa was in the facility “smiling with his teammates” and working with trainers and the medical staff while in concussion protocol.

McDaniel would not address an NFL Network report Sunday that Tagovailoa had thought about his future and decided to resume his career. Tagovailoa has admitted he considered retirement because of injuries in the past, which sparked speculation his latest concussion may have nudged him away from the sport.

“It’s of utmost priority of mine for Tua to speak on Tua’s career,” McDaniel said. “As far as I’m concerned, I’m just worried about the human being and where that’s at day to day. I think I’ll let Tua be the champion of his own career and speak on that. Not enough information quite yet. That’s going to be driven by medical experts.”

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Likewise, McDaniel expects to determine whether to place Tagovailoa on injured reserve after consulting with general manager Chris Grier later this week. Landing on IR would put Tagovailoa out a minimum of four games and not be his first stint on IR because of a concussion.

"We're not quite ready to make a distinction on that," McDaniel said. "We'll see in the next couple of days."

The Dolphins’ next four games are at Seattle, vs. Tennessee, at New England and at Indianapolis. The Dolphins’ bye week falls between the Patriots and Colts games, which would give Tagovailoa an extra week to heal. If Tagovailoa goes on IR, the first game in which he would be eligible is Oct. 27 vs. Arizona, followed by a trip to Buffalo.

Skylar Thompson assumes starting role

At least for the short term, the Dolphins will focus on life without Tagovailoa. Skylar Thompson, his backup, would start Sunday’s game at Seattle. The Dolphins also signed Tyler Huntley off Baltimore’s practice squad Monday.

“This is not a move in any way, shape or form out of anything that has to do with Skylar,” McDaniel said. He added, “I think this is more directly to back up Skylar.”

Much of the Dolphins’ discussions with reporters Monday centered on McDaniel and players expressing their faith in Thompson, a third-year player who was pressed into a starting role late in his rookie season. The Dolphins stressed that Thompson is a different player now.

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“I think his game has developed since he’s had a starting opportunity in the National Football League,” McDaniel said. “I think all of his teammates can feel his command and his growth.”

De'Von Achane earning more carries

The Dolphins were in a backfield bind against the Bills. In addition to losing Tagovailoa, Pro Bowl running back Raheem Mostert was out with a chest history and second-year back De’Von Achane had been questionable because of an ankle problem. Achane not only played but was the workhorse for the offense, carrying 22 times for 96 yards (4.4 average) and catching seven passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. His 29 touches are a career high.

“With Raheem down, I felt it was up to me to step in,” Achane said. “In my mind, I’m playing.”

Perhaps fans should get used to this. McDaniel praised Achane multiple times while discussing him.

“All he’s done is given more reasons to get him the ball,” McDaniel said.

Later, he added, “He’s definitely earned all the opportunities. And he could make a case for even more.”

Finally, McDaniel said, “He’s made it very clear that on the routine he’s probably making the first guy miss.”

Clearly, reliance on the run game would take pressure off Thompson. So too would the defense turning it up another notch after seeing a teammate go down.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s Tua or anybody,” defensive tackle Zach Sieler said. “When that happens, it’s horrible. You hate seeing that stuff.”

Receiver Jaylen Waddle added, “We play a dangerous game and I think that the whole world can see how dangerous this game is and how everybody puts their body on the line week in and week out.”

Achane sounds eager for any opportunities that come his way, but he’s also confident the offense can still move the ball with Thompson throwing to Waddle and Tyreek Hill.

“I think Skylar can come in and play like Skylar,” Achane said. “He doesn’t have to be anybody else. It’s not his first rodeo. So he’s played in big games before, so he can come in and do his stuff and we’ll just keep doing the same thing if Tua was in the offense. I don’t think that you have to ease him into it because he’s been here and he’s ready.”

Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at  hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tua Tagovailoa injured reserve decision likely later this week