Tua Tagovailoa Given 'Excellent' Prognosis Following Completion of Hip Surgery
By Sam Dunn
The Alabama Crimson Tide and the college football community as a whole was left breathless when superstar quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was knocked out of Saturday's game against Mississippi State with a hip injury that seemed legitimately concerning. After a trip to the hospital, it was later disclosed the QB would be playing no more football in 2019.
Fortunately, despite the rough new reality in Tuscaloosa, there is a silver lining. Per the university, Tagovailoa's surgery is complete and went fully according to plan. He's expected to make a full recovery.
Alabama statement: “Tua underwent successful surgery on his right hip Monday morning in Houston. The procedure went as planned & he is resting comfortably. Tua’s prognosis is excellent & we expect him to make a full recovery. He will return to Tuscaloosa in the next several days”
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) November 18, 2019
The full extent of the implications of this serious hip dislocation is not yet known; rumors are swirling that his viability for 2020 is in question following such a major setback. The ripple effect, in that case, extends beyond college football-- heading into the fall, Tua was considered to have a chance at going No. 1 overall in April's NFL Draft.
A full recovery means the guy will be playing football again one day. But, we just don't know how long it will be before the Hawaiian-born phenom is pitching it around the park again.
Tua is a man of MANY TALENTS ? @Tuaamann (via casher67/IG) pic.twitter.com/lbuusC1sVb
— Overtime (@overtime) November 18, 2019
For now, Tide fans can rest assured that the road to recovery has officially begun after a scary Saturday.