Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) drops back with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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The Miami Dolphins made another questionable decision surrounding their star quarterback on his first day back to practice since Week 2. The Dolphins opened up the practice window for Tua Tagovailoa this week, as Miami prepares for him to start his first game since suffering a concussion against the Buffalo Bills.
Tua Tagovailoa is set to make his return in Week 8
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks off the field with training staff after an apparent injury during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
There were questions as to whether Tua should return to the playing field at all, as he’s suffered multiple concussions in the NFL after sustaining one when he played college football for Alabama. Tua ultimately decided that the risk of becoming potentially mentally incapacitated was worth being able to play in the league, as every player assumes the possibility of death when they take the grass.
The league stated that they were not going to stand in the way of whatever Tua and his doctors decided was best for his life and career. The Dolphins made sure Tua was placed on injured reserve so he could heal from the traumatic brain injury, but they’re ready for him to come back and lead the 2-4 Dolphins against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
The Miami Dolphins made a curious choice
Jul 24, 2024; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) throws the football during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Per Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins played an Antonio Brown song during Thursday’s practice.
“The irony of the artist and song choice for Tua Tagovailoa’s return is hilarious,” Kelly posted on X. “Tua was sharp in his return to the field. At one point he was off target on a pass to Tyreek and clapped his hands in disappointment. Skylar Thompson is working more now.”
The irony of the artist and song choice for Tua Tagovailoa’s return is hilarious.
Tua was sharp in his return to the field. At one point he was off target on a pass to Tyreek and clapped his hands in disappointment.
Skylar Thompson is working more now. pic.twitter.com/o30IsNjEwR
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) October 23, 2024
The choice of music appeared to be controversial after a recent post on social media by the former NFL superstar wide receiver.
Brown quote posted Dov Kleiman on Tua’s decision not to wear a guardian cap after suffering multiple concussions. Tua has said it was a personal choice not to wear the extra protective gear.
“Welcome to the team #CTESPM,” Brown posted.
Welcome to the team #CTESPN https://t.co/R5iOVrgdVZ
— AB (@AB84) October 21, 2024
Brown appeared to be taking a dig at Tua’s choice not to wear the extra protection gear. Still, the Dolphins felt it was totally appropriate to play the controversial figure’s music at practice after having taken shots at Tua in the past.
Dec 9, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports