Signs continue to point to a Tua Tagovailoa return Sunday. The Dolphins are moving their starter into position to be activated from IR, making their return designation official Wednesday, per via KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Buzz about Tagovailoa coming back when first eligible has persisted for weeks, and Mike McDaniel confirmed the fifth-year QB would practice this week. Tyreek Hill‘s comments about his fantasy status sure seem to reveal the All-Pro receiver’s confidence in Tua being back (and thus Miami’s passing-game potency being positioned to return).
After playing in every Dolphins game last season, Tagovailoa has missed the past four Miami contests due to his latest concussion. Head injuries overshadowed Tua’s progress in 2022, with the left-hander’s season first interrupted and then ending early due to concussions. Teams rarely place players on IR due to a concussion, but the Dolphins did so on the recommendation of medical personnel. While Tagovailoa said he was symptom-free the day after his injury against the Bills, he consulted several neurologists about his latest concussion.
The recently extended passer does not plan to wear a Guardian Cap upon return, and his latest re-emergence will prompt scrutiny due to a checkered past. But Tagovailoa’s route to collecting the full payout from a four-year, $212.4M deal will require a return to action once cleared by doctors. The talented QB did consider retirement in 2023; he said he did not do so this time around.
This season both illustrated Tua’s importance to the Dolphins and the danger of not having a capable backup. Miami ranked first in total offense and second in points last season; McDaniel’s team, despite the presences of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, sits last in scoring and 22nd in yardage through six games. Tagovailoa’s injury has sent the Dolphins into a tailspin, but they will attempt a rebound effort beginning Sunday against the Cardinals.
