Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a concussion in Week 2. The team is hopeful that he will be able to start on Sunday against Arizona, pending his progress through the final stages of the NFL’s concussion protocol. Tagovailoa has met with medical experts specializing in brain and head injuries, who have deemed it safe for him to return to football. He has opted not to wear a Guardian Cap, a protective helmet cover, citing it as a personal choice.
Tagovailoa has had three concussions in his NFL career, including two in 2022 that sparked debates about his health and led to changes in the league’s concussion protocol. Despite these incidents, Tagovailoa expressed his continued love for the game of football and his desire to compete at the highest level. He acknowledged the need to be smart about his playing style and decision-making on the field, especially in the professional setting of the NFL.
Teammates and coaches have emphasized to Tagovailoa the importance of sliding to avoid unnecessary contact and reduce the risk of head injuries. They have urged him to prioritize his safety and well-being while continuing to compete at a high level. Fans have also shown support for Tagovailoa, encouraging him to slide and take care of himself during games. The quarterback has made adjustments to his weight and mobility to better withstand hits on the field and improve his overall performance.
The Dolphins’ offense has struggled without Tagovailoa, averaging less than 200 yards passing and 400 total yards per game under backup quarterbacks Skylar Thompson, Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, and Tim Boyle. Star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have seen a significant drop in their production with Tagovailoa out of the lineup. Despite this, coach Mike McDaniel does not view Tagovailoa as the sole solution to the team’s offensive struggles, but Hill believes he is a crucial part of the offense that can elevate the team’s performance.
In preparation for Sunday’s game against Arizona, the Dolphins signed veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard to their practice squad, along with wide receiver Tarik Black. They released tight end Hayden Rucci from the practice squad, as Huntley is expected to be unavailable due to a shoulder injury. McDaniel will evaluate Beathard, Boyle, and Thompson in practice before deciding on a backup quarterback for the upcoming game. The team is looking forward to welcoming Tagovailoa back to the field and hoping for a strong performance from him on Sunday.
