The anticipation surrounding Tua Tagovailoa’s return to the Miami Dolphins is building as reports suggest the quarterback could be back on the field soon. Coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism on Monday about Tua’s return this season, following the concussion he suffered in Week 2.
It marked at least the third concussion for Tagovailoa in the last three years, which had sparked some talk about the potential for him to retire. However, recent updates reinforce the plan for Tua to return to practice this Wednesday, marking the end of his stint on injured reserve, which could pave the way for a game return as early as next week.
This development brings a breath of fresh air for Dolphins fans, considering the team’s 2-3 start.
So, what led to Tua’s current status? The situation began on September 12, with Tua making a daring scramble late in the third quarter against the Bills.
As he dove for a first down, he collided with Bills safety Damar Hamlin. His head hit both Hamlin’s chest and the ground, leading to his arms displaying a “fencing response” – an immediate sign of head trauma.
Though Tua walked off the field, he was diagnosed with a concussion soon after, making it his third confirmed concussion in three seasons. For safety, Tua was placed on injured reserve by September 17, taking him out of the lineup for a minimum of four games.
As we look at Tua Tagovailoa’s injury status, Coach McDaniel shared encouraging updates, affirming his belief that Tua would take the field in 2024, but without pressing for an exact timeline. Tua has been consulting with medical specialists across the country to ensure his path to recovery is robust, using the team’s bye week for additional insights. Reports from The Athletic have highlighted that Tua would be ready to play immediately if he could, emphasizing his eagerness to return.
When might Dolphins fans see Tua in action again? With the game against the Colts on Sunday wrapping up the four-game minimum on IR, Tagovailoa becomes eligible to return by October 27 for the Dolphins’ home game against the Arizona Cardinals. His return to practice this Wednesday is the first milestone in this process.
The NFL has emphasized the importance of relying on independent neurologists and medical professionals for determining Tua’s readiness, highlighting the thorough care being taken in his recovery journey. For Coach McDaniel, the focus transcends beyond football and centers on Tua’s well-being as an individual.
McDaniel stated, “It is exciting that I do believe he’ll play football this year,” while underscoring the priority of addressing the right questions surrounding Tua’s health and future. The path to Tua’s return seems well-planned, with careful consideration for his long-term health and role as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback.