Mike McDaniel gives groundbreaking update about Tua Tagovailoa’s return after horrific concussion
Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion amid a loss to Buffalo Bills after a hit from Bills player Damar Hamlin.
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Tua Tagovailoa, Mike McDaniel (Image via Imago/NFL Alumni)
The Miami Dolphins are fresh off a bye week and preparing to face the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Mike McDaniel provided some relief with positive updates on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa‘s recovery.
The Dolphins are navigating one of the rockiest phases in the league with their star quarterback sidelined. They’ve been exploring their options, including signing Tyler Huntley from the Baltimore Ravens earlier this season. So far, the Dolphins have only managed two wins: a Week 1 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars and a recent triumph over the New England Patriots.
Tua Tagovailoa suffered the third concussion of his NFL career on September 12th against the Buffalo Bills. In 2022, Tagovailoa suffered two documented concussions, limiting him to just 13 games. Earlier in his college career at Alabama, he sustained a significant hip injury in 2019, which sidelined him for the rest of the season. The multiple concussions in the gap of two years had led to concerns regarding player safety, many urging the quarterback to consider retirement.
Despite the challenges and the consequences, Tagovailoa had declared coming back to the field at one point. Tagovailoa is supposed to end his stint in Injured Reserve (IR) in Week 7. He will be eligible to return to playing against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. As of yesterday, McDaniel had not publicly acknowledged Tagovailoa’s playing future. In the recent media availability, McDaniel fielded questions regarding the player, giving a positive update.
There’s still information he’s seeking this week. As far as timelines go, I know he’s not playing this week. And I do expect to see him playing football in 2024. But where that is exactly, we’ll let that process continue since we still have time before he could even entertain anything.
Mike McDaniel told reporters
This is the first time McDaniel has expressed confidence that Tagovailoa will return to play. McDaniel described it as “exciting” to consider having the quarterback back on the field in 2024 itself, giving a glimmer of hope. However, the exact specifications of when Tua Tagovailoa will be available are yet to be known.
Who will Miami Dolphins start as QB against the Indianapolis Colts?
Considering Tua Tagovailoa is on the IR for the game, the Dolphins are looking at their backup options. Skylar Thompson, who suffered a chest injury against Seattle Seahawks, has returned to the field and rammed it up in practice. Huntley haven’t had much success in his short time serving as a starter, apart from a win against the Patriots.
It is obvious that there’s another decision looming in front of Mike McDaniel as Tagovailoa continues to be on the sidelines. Skylar Thompson made media availability where he confessed he doesn’t know whether he will be a third-string backup option to Huntley and Tim Boyle. As of now, Thompson is listed as questionable alongside Raheem Mostert.
Although Mike McDaniel alleviated some concerns about Tua Tagovailoa’s situation, he did not provide a clear timeline for his return. The Dolphins, currently 2-3, need to start securing wins to stay competitive. Their offensive line requires improvement, and the receivers must step up in crucial moments. With tough opponents on the horizon starting in Week 9, including division rivals like the Buffalo Bills, as well as the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and San Francisco 49ers, the Dolphins face a challenging stretch ahead.
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Mohammed Bazim
(425 Articles Published)