When Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was injured against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night football last week, all anyone could do was hope and pray the 24-year-old quarterback was OK.

After a disputed injury the week before against the Buffalo — one that looked like a concussion but was ruled a back injury — it almost seemed inhumane he had to play another football game just four days later.

The NFLPA is investigating the Dolphins’ handling of the Bills incident, and a doctor affiliated with the team has been fired in the wake of Tua’s latest injury because many wonder how he was cleared to play.

Thankfully, initial reports say Tua doesn’t have anything broken. Yet, it’s unknown when he might next play.

That’s where we pick up now — on the football aspect of Tua’s injury.

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The Dolphins were 3-0 and Tua was having an amazing season before being taken out against the Bengals.

His backup, Teddy Bridgewater, played well in his stead, but the Dolphins were handed their first loss of the season.

The good news is, the Dolphins’ schedule over the next six games isn’t exactly a gauntlet — they play the Jets, Vikings, Steelers, Lions, Bears and Browns.

So, can the Dolphins do enough to stay in the playoff hunt, or will they fall apart after losing their team leader?

To help us sort through everything that’s going on with Miami, I welcome back Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post as the latest guest of the “The *State* of Florida Sports Podcast,” powered by the USA TODAY Network.

Joe and his counterpart Hal Habib offer the best Dolphins coverage you’ll find anywhere, so you know you’ll be getting the best information available.

He’ll talk about Teddy Bridgewater, and should he get hurt, the rookie who would be under center for the Dolphins.

We’ll discuss this week’s AFC East battle against the better-than-expected New York Jets, who came back to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday to improve to 2-2.

Jets QB Zach Wilson returned from an injury against the Steelers and threw for 252 yards and a touchdown while leading the team to a late-game victory.

“The Jets have talent at the skill positions — receiver and running back — and some good pass rushers and cover guys and blitzers. So it’s certainly figures to be an interesting game,” Joe says during the podcast. “It’s always interesting when the Dolphins and jets get together. … Everyone is better off when the Dolphins and Jets are both good.”

We also discuss the state of the team’s offense without Tua and how important it will be to keep all their skilled players like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Chase Edmonds and more involved.

And we’ll break down the slate of upcoming games and see how Joe thinks the team can do.

If you’re a fan of the Dolphins — or you just love the NFL — be sure to check out this podcast.

Join the tens of thousands that have downloaded us and find out why we give you the best sports breakdowns in the state.

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If you like it, you can check out previous shows, which feature current and former professional athletes and coaches, as well as our stable of journalists who cover beats and write columns, all of whom have a tie to the Sunshine State.