Tua Tagovailoa Returns to Practice After Concussion, Sunday Start

Tua Tagovailoa Returns to Practice After Concussion, Sunday Start \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a concussion in Week 2, aiming to start against Arizona this Sunday. Tagovailoa still needs to clear the final steps of the NFL’s concussion protocol, but his return to the field has energized teammates like Tyreek Hill. Head coach Mike McDaniel praised Tagovailoa’s commitment to his recovery, while teammates stressed the importance of him being cautious on the field to avoid further injuries.

Tagovailoa’s Return Boosts Dolphins’ Hopes: Quick Looks

• Tua’s return: Tua Tagovailoa practiced Wednesday for the first time since his Week 2 concussion and is eyeing a return this Sunday.
• Excitement builds: Teammates like Tyreek Hill expressed excitement over Tagovailoa’s return, while stressing he should avoid unnecessary risks.
• Concussion protocol: Tagovailoa is still in the final stages of the NFL’s concussion protocol and needs to be fully cleared to play.
• Dolphins’ offensive struggles: Miami’s offense has stalled without Tagovailoa, averaging less than 15 points per game in his absence.
• Quarterback depth: The Dolphins signed C.J. Beathard to the practice squad while evaluating their backup options behind Tagovailoa.

Deep Look

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time in over a month, sparking hope that he could make his comeback this Sunday when the Dolphins take on the Arizona Cardinals. This marks a significant milestone in his recovery process after suffering a concussion in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. Tagovailoa’s return to the field provided a noticeable lift to the Dolphins, particularly wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who was ecstatic to have his star quarterback back under center.

“I just had a big cheese on my face,” Hill said, describing his joy at catching passes from Tagovailoa again. “It just felt so good.”

Though Tagovailoa still needs to clear the final stages of the NFL’s concussion protocol, his return to practice is a critical step in the right direction. The Dolphins, currently 2-4, have struggled without their starting quarterback, and head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized how diligent Tagovailoa has been throughout the recovery process.

“I feel very good about how he attacked this whole process and how he came out of it to this day,” McDaniel said before Wednesday’s practice. “You hope for a couple of days of good work so there are no blips, and you’re cleared to play.”

Tagovailoa’s concussion on September 12 was his third documented head injury since joining the NFL, raising concerns about his long-term health. Since then, he has consulted numerous medical experts specializing in brain injuries, all of whom gave him clearance to return to football. While Tagovailoa will not be wearing a Guardian Cap—an optional helmet cover designed to reduce head injuries—he continues to use a quarterback-specific helmet engineered to offer additional protection.

Despite the attention surrounding his health, Tagovailoa remained firm in his commitment to the game. “I appreciate your concern, I really do,” he said, addressing ongoing questions about his future. “I love this game, and I love it to the death of me, that’s it.”

However, the quarterback acknowledged that he has to be smarter about avoiding unnecessary contact. In Week 2, Tagovailoa sustained his concussion after lowering his shoulder into Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin instead of sliding. His teammates have since stressed the importance of sliding to avoid dangerous hits, with running back Raheem Mostert pointing out that the decision ultimately rests with Tagovailoa.

“We can say those things to him until we’re blue in the face,” Mostert said. “But, you know, there’s that saying, ‘You can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.’ We’re going to bring Tua to that water, but we can’t make him drink.”

Hill, eager to see Tagovailoa protect himself, echoed those sentiments and even encouraged fans to celebrate when they see the quarterback slide. “Our fans need to clap for Tua and make him slide,” Hill said. “We need you, bro. Next play, come on. We love him, and he’s a huge part of this team.”

Tagovailoa has made adjustments to his physical conditioning to better withstand the hits he takes on the field. Last season, he added weight to improve his durability, and while he didn’t miss a game due to injury in 2023, he shed some pounds this offseason to enhance his mobility.

McDaniel elaborated on the importance of maintaining that balance. “It’s not really like a quarterback run game type of thought process,” McDaniel said. “But for him, one of the reasons why he was so diligent and deliberate about running and staying in shape is that it’s a competitive advantage for him. His ability to move and make plays is a key part of what he brings to the table.”

Tagovailoa’s impact on the Dolphins’ offense is undeniable. Last season, the Dolphins averaged over 200 passing yards per game and led the league in explosive plays with Tagovailoa at the helm. They also ranked second in scoring with 29.2 points per game. However, since his injury, the team’s offense has faltered. Under backup quarterbacks Skylar Thompson, Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, and Tim Boyle, the Dolphins have failed to score more than 15 points in a game, while Hill and fellow wide receiver Jaylen Waddle have seen their production plummet.

Despite the Dolphins’ struggles, McDaniel was quick to caution against seeing Tagovailoa as a “savior” for the offense. “It’s unfair to think of him that way,” McDaniel said. “This is a team effort, and while Tua’s return is a boost, the entire team needs to elevate its play.”

Hill, however, disagreed with that assessment. “He’s a big part of this team,” Hill said emphatically. “When Tua is a part of this offense, nobody can stop us. I’m going to keep saying that, and every guy in this locker room knows that.”

While the team is optimistic about Tagovailoa’s potential return, his availability for Sunday’s game against Arizona hinges on his continued progress in concussion protocol. In the meantime, the Dolphins made moves to solidify their quarterback depth, signing veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard to the practice squad on Wednesday. With Huntley sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Beathard will compete with Boyle and Thompson for the backup spot.

As the Dolphins prepare for Sunday’s matchup, all eyes will be on Tagovailoa’s progress. His return could provide the spark Miami needs to reignite their season, but his long-term health and ability to stay on the field remain paramount concerns.

More on Sports

Tua Tagovailoa Returns Tua Tagovailoa Returns