Miami Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa will return to practice this week after missing the last four games with a concussion. Will Tagovailoa play in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals?
Tua Tagovailoa Returns To Practice
🎥 Mike McDaniel on Tua Tagovailoa returning this week: "The reason he is coming back now is because medical experts have deemed it safe for him to return… you lean on experts for matters of the career." (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/hsn7wqqWUO
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) October 21, 2024
Tagovailoa has been on injured reserve since suffering a brutal concussion in Week 2’s loss against the Buffalo Bills.
However, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Monday that Tagovailoa should begin practicing on Wednesday. Tagovailoa still needs to be cleared to play on Sunday, but if all goes well in practice, the Pro Bowler could be ready to start.
“This week, our plan is [for Tagovailoa] to start practicing on Wednesday,” McDaniel said via ESPN. “The clearing doesn’t come until after some of the activity, but we’re obviously doing so in the hope of everything going well so that he can play Sunday. But that will be to be determined.”
In Tagovailoa’s absence, Tyler Huntley has started three games, while Skylar Thompson has started one. The Dolphins are 1-3 in games with Tagovailoa starting.
After being one of the explosive offenses in 2023, the Dolphins have struggled mightily without Tagovailoa, averaging a league-worst 11.67 points per game.
Tua Tagovailoa On History Of Head Injuries
Tua Tagovailoa on those who worry he could get hurt again: “I appreciate your concern. I really do. I love this game. And I love it to the death of me. That’s it.” pic.twitter.com/fAvoHA2PXo
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) October 21, 2024
Tagovailoa has a history of concussions, having suffered two in 2022, including one against the Cincinnati Bengals that hospitalized him.
Tagovailoa was asked about his injury at today’s press conference. Though he appreciates people’s concern, he will continue to play football for as long as he can.
“I appreciate your concern, I really do,” Tagovailoa said. “I love this game, and I love it to the death of me.”
Tagovailoa added that he’s willing to “play the odds” and return to football despite the injury risks.
The Dolphins host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8.
🎥 Tua Tagovailoa on the risks of coming back: "How much risk do we take when we get up in the morning to go drive to work… there's just risk in any and everything and I'm willing to play the odds." (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/mOfz5H6Xiw
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) October 21, 2024
