HOUSTON — Alabama star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will have surgery on his dislocated hip Monday in Houston.
Late in the second quarter of Saturday's game against Mississippi State, the junior was sacked on a 3rd down pass attempt, losing his helmet. He rolled over face down in obvious pain.
Tagovailoa, who many projected to be the first quarterback taken in the 2020 NFL Draft, was carted off the field. Molly McGrath, the ESPN sideline reporter working the game said he was "screaming in pain" while in locker room.
Tagovailoa was flown by helicopter from Starkville to St. Vincent's Hospital in Birmingham. Team orthopedist Dr. Lyle Cain of Andrews Sports Clinic released a statement saying Tagovailoa had dislocated his hip. The statement went on to say while Tua is expected to make a full recovery, he would miss the remainder of the season.
Tua took to Twitter Saturday night to thank fans for their well-wishes:
Dr. Cain released another statement Sunday reporting Tagovailoa would have surgery Monday in Houston to repair his hip:
“For the past 24 hours our medical team has consulted with multiple orthopedic experts across the country, who specialize in hip injuries and surgeries. 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.”
Tagovailoa has been hobbled since mid-October after a high-ankle sprain on his non-plant foot against Tennessee. He missed the following game against Arkansas, with the starting duties being given to backup Mac Jones.
In last week's 46-41 loss against LSU, Tagovailoa finished the game clearly hobbled despite throwing for more than 400 yards and four touchdowns.
The decision to keep Tagovailoa in the game while Alabama was up by four touchdowns against the Bulldogs was heavily criticized by analysts. Head Coach Nick Saban defended the decision saying Tua remained in the game to get practice in a 2-minute drill situation.
Alabama will play Western Carolina next Saturday before playing the Iron Bowl against rival Auburn on Nov. 30. In addition to Mac Jones, Tua's brother Tualia Tagovailoa and Paul Tyson, great-grandson of legendary coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant, are also on the team as quarterbacks.
Several teammates and athletes reached out to Tagovailoa on Twitter for well-wishes: