Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to play again in 2024 after suffering his third concussion in two years earlier this season.
Coach Mike McDaniel mentioned on Monday that Tagovailoa had “positive” meetings with neurologists during the Dolphins’ bye week, but he is still in concussion protocol and on injured reserve.
“I do expect him to see him playing football in 2024,” McDaniel said for the first time since Tagovailoa’s injury, “but where that is exactly, we’ll let the process continue.”
Tagovailoa won’t be eligible to return until Miami’s game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8, and McDaniel said the quarterback will keep consulting with experts to decide when it will be safe for him to play.
He got injured in a Week 2 game against Buffalo after colliding with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin. Tagovailoa ran for a first down and lowered his shoulder into Hamlin instead of sliding.
He has a history of head injuries since joining the NFL, having been diagnosed with two in 2022 and experiencing another serious hit that season, which resulted in changes to the NFL’s concussion rules.
McDaniel has advised against guessing Tagovailoa’s future after his latest injury.
“I never went down that rabbit hole of if he would or wouldn’t (continue playing football),” McDaniel said, “just because I’ve learned through circumstance that that’s the wrong question to be asking. The right questions are completely, 100% toward the human being.”
The Dolphins have had a tough time on offense as three different quarterbacks have played in Tagovailoa’s absence. Heading into this week’s game against Indianapolis, the Dolphins are among the worst scoring teams in the NFL with an average of 12 points per game.
Miami will continue with Tyler “Snoop” Huntley until Tagovailoa returns. Huntley has a record of 1-1 in two starts for Miami this season. McDaniel noted that the former Ravens quarterback is improving his understanding of the offense.
