Dolphins make huge move with Tua Tagovailoa ahead of Week 8

Oct 15, 2021; Ware, United Kingdom; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) at a press conference at the Hanbury Marriott Manor and Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is on the verge of returning to game action for the first time since he suffered a concussion earlier in the season.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Monday that the team is designating Tagovailoa to return from injured reserve. Tagovailoa will begin practicing on Wednesday in hopes of clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol ahead of Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

“The plan is to start practicing on Wednesday and the clearing doesn’t come until some of the activity, but we’re obviously doing so in the hope of everything going well so he can play Sunday,” McDaniel said.

The Tua Tagovailoa news we’ve all been waiting for pic.twitter.com/I9VnsYaEHl

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Tagovailoa suffered his most recent concussion on what looked like a routine tackle in Week 2. That was at least 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 it does not sound like that was ever considered.

The Dolphins fell to 2-4 on the season with their loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Starting quarterback Tyler Huntley suffered a shoulder injury in the game, and Tim Boyle made an inexplicable blunder that cost Miami any chance at a late comeback. Tagovailoa should give the Dolphins a major boost whenever he returns.