After missing four games because of a concussion, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has looked sharp in his return against the Arizona Cardinals.
Early in the third quarter, leading 13-10, Tagovailoa threw a screen pass to second-year running back De’Von Achane, who scored a 12-yard touchdown on a 2nd-and-goal.
Concerns about Tagovailoa remain. The 26-year-old has dealt with concussions throughout his five-year career.
ESPN’s Elizabeth Merrill reported he has been diagnosed with three concussions over the past two years, including the one he suffered in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills this season. He also had a head injury in 2022, which forced the NFL to revise its concussion protocol.
Tagovailoa isn’t wearing a Guardian Cap, which seems like a questionable choice. According to NFL Research, the caps can at least absorb 10 percent of the force of a hit.
Whether Tagovailoa changes his mind or not, the Dolphins must find ways to protect him. In his Wednesday news conference, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel said he told the QB to slide and throw the ball away more to avoid hits.
Per Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post, Tagovailoa signaled he plans to heed the advice.
If Tagovailoa stays healthy, the Dolphins (2-4) may reignite their playoff hopes. Last season, Miami scored the league’s second-most points (29.2) when Tagovailoa started all 17 regular-season games.
