nfl

Key weapon of Tua Tagovailoa on the Miami Dolphins hit with notable fine by the NFL

The Miami Dolphins found out that one of Tua Tagovailoa's favorite targets has been punished by the NFL for an action stemming from Week 13.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) watches the video board before the start of the second half during the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Fla.
© IMAGO / Icon SportswireMiami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) watches the video board before the start of the second half during the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Fla.

The Miami Dolphins found their name written on the NFL‘s gameday accountability report from Week 13 of the 2024 season. The league fined only one of their players, who happens to be a key weapon for Tua Tagovailoa.

The National Football League charged Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith $11,248 for a violation during Miami’s ugly loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Thanksgiving.

The NFL announced that Smith’s infraction was Unnecessary Roughness (striking/kicking/kneeing). The action took place with 9:21 minutes left in the first quarter of the Fins’ 30-17 loss.

Advertisement

Smith once again proved useful for Tua despite Dolphins’ loss

While things didn’t go to plan for Miami that night, Smith still had a productive game. Tagovailoa targeted him 11 times, with the tight end catching 10 of those passes for an impressive 113 yards.

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) runs off of the field after the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams on November 11, 2024 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) runs off of the field after the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams on November 11, 2024 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.

Advertisement

Smith couldn’t find the end zone in Green Bay, but he still led the Dolphins’ pass catchers in receiving yards. It was another game where the 29-year-old proved to be a reliable target for Tua.

NFL News: Tua Tagovailoa takes full responsibility for the Dolphins' losing record

see also

Smith enjoying career season with Tua’s Dolphins

After spending time with the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, and Atlanta Falcons, the FIU product seems to have found his place in Miami. Smith joined the Dolphins on a two-year, $8.4 million deal ahead of the 2024 NFL season, and he’s proving to be worth every single penny.

Advertisement

Smith entered Week 14 with 58 catches for 648 yards and four touchdowns in 74 targets, setting career-highs in targets, receptions, and yards. He is among Tua’s favorite weapons along with Tyreek Hill and Jayden Waddle, who have been in Miami for longer.

ALSO READ

Warriors' Draymond Green predicts two possible outcomes for Jimmy Butler amid Miami Heat tensions
NBA

Warriors' Draymond Green predicts two possible outcomes for Jimmy Butler amid Miami Heat tensions

Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis suggests an opponent for Tyson Fury's next fight
Boxing

Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis suggests an opponent for Tyson Fury's next fight

Former Lakers player slams LeBron James, blames him for worsening the NBA
NBA

Former Lakers player slams LeBron James, blames him for worsening the NBA

Kyle Shanahan eyes controversial coach for 49ers defensive coordinator
NFL

Kyle Shanahan eyes controversial coach for 49ers defensive coordinator

Better Collective Logo