Dolphins coach gives major update on Tua Tagovailoa
Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks on before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Miami Dolphins on Monday provided a significant update about Tua Tagovailoa as the quarterback recovers from his latest concussion.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters during his media availability that he expects Tagovailoa to play again this season. McDaniel said there is no specific timeline for when Tagovailoa might return, but the comments marked the first time that the Dolphins acknowledged that they are planning to have Tua back in 2024.
“There’s still information that he’s seeking this week. As far as timelines go, I know he’s not playing this week,” McDaniel said. “I do expect to see him playing football in 2024, but where that is exactly, we’ll let the process continue since we still have time before we could even entertain anything. We’ll make sure he’s diligent this week and assess after that.”
Mike McDaniel says for the first time that he expects Tua Tagovailoa to play football again in 2024 pic.twitter.com/7dHx44D9JR
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) October 14, 2024
Tagovailoa is on injured reserve and not eligible to resume practicing until Oct. 23. It sounds like there is at least a chance he could suit up against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 27.
Tagovailoa suffered his most recent concussion on what looked like a routine tackle in Week 2. That was at leas the third concussion of his NFL career, and he also suffered at least one in college at Alabama. Many prominent members of the NFL community have urged Tagovailoa to retire, but we now know for sure that is not going to happen.
The Dolphins beat the New England Patriots in Week 5 to improve to 2-3. They then had a bye and will travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts in Week 7.
A recent report provided a lot of reason for optimism surrounding Tagovailoa’s recovery. McDaniel’s update on Monday was perhaps the most positive one the Dolphins have given since Tagovailoa went down.
