Tua Tagovailoa is set to make his highly anticipated return to the field for the Miami Dolphins, with plans to practice on Wednesday ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. After being sidelined since Week 2 with a concussion—his third in two years—Tagovailoa is on track to reclaim his starting position if all goes well in practice.
Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the news on Monday, stating that medical experts have cleared Tagovailoa to return to play. McDaniel emphasized that the decision was based entirely on medical advice, ensuring that the 26-year-old quarterback is deemed healthy enough to compete again.
Despite the clearance, Tagovailoa has not yet decided whether he will wear the extra-protective guardian cap over his helmet when he takes the field.
Tagovailoa’s latest concussion, suffered in the Dolphins’ Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills, reignited concerns about his long-term health and future in the NFL. Given his history with head injuries, many voiced calls for him to consider retiring for the sake of his well-being.
However, after consulting with independent neurologists and medical professionals, Tagovailoa remains steadfast in his decision to continue playing. Retirement, he said, is not something he is contemplating at this time.
Though fully aware of the risks involved, Tagovailoa has made peace with the potential consequences of playing football, including the possibility of sustaining another concussion. When asked how much risk he’s putting himself into by returning to the field, Tagovailoa responded with a candid and philosophical view:
“How much risk do we take when we get up in the morning and drive to work? You can get in a car accident. Everything takes risk. I’m willing to play the odds.”
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Tagovailoa likened the risks he faces in professional football to those encountered in everyday life, acknowledging that while the dangers are real, he’s prepared to accept them as part of the game. His comments reflect a mindset that, despite the inherent hazards of the sport, he is eager to continue pursuing his passion and leading the Dolphins on the field.
The Dolphins have sorely missed their starting quarterback since his injury. Without Tagovailoa, Miami has struggled mightily on offense, dropping to 0-3 in his absence. Tyler Huntley, who was brought in to fill the void left by Tagovailoa’s injury, has failed to find his footing. In his past two games, Huntley has thrown for just 290 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception, leaving Miami’s offense stagnant and out of sync.
Overall, the Dolphins’ offense has faltered without Tagovailoa’s leadership. The team has averaged a mere 10 points per game since his departure in Week 2, and their top playmakers, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, have been unable to replicate their early-season success. Both Hill and Waddle surpassed 100 receiving yards in Week 1, but neither has eclipsed 70 yards in a game since.
The team’s struggles were on full display in Week 7, when the Dolphins returned from their bye week only to lose 16-10 to the Indianapolis Colts in another lackluster offensive showing. With the team sitting at 2-5 and in desperate need of a spark, Tagovailoa’s return couldn’t come at a better time.
His presence is expected to revitalize the Dolphins’ offense and restore some much-needed confidence to a unit that has underperformed in his absence.
While the risks associated with Tagovailoa’s return are significant, his decision to continue playing demonstrates his commitment to the team and his desire to lead Miami back to winning ways.
As the Dolphins prepare for their crucial Week 8 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, all eyes will be on Tagovailoa as he takes the field once again, hoping to help turn the season around for Miami.
