The Miami Dolphins welcomed back quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to practice on Wednesday, much to the delight of his teammates, particularly wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Tagovailoa had been sidelined since September 12 due to a concussion, after which he was placed on injured reserve and missed four games. His return sparked a wave of enthusiasm among the players, who felt a renewed sense of optimism with him back on the field.
Tyreek Hill expressed his excitement about Tagovailoa’s return, noting that it felt like “old times” during practice. The two connected on multiple deep passes, rekindling their strong on-field chemistry from the previous season. Hill emphasized how much he missed Tagovailoa’s presence and leadership, stating that hearing his voice directing the offense brought him joy and a sense of normalcy back to the team dynamic. He even humorously mentioned wanting to take Tagovailoa and his wife out for dinner to celebrate their reunion.
The Dolphins’ performance has struggled in Tagovailoa’s absence, as evidenced by their 1-3 record during the four games he missed. The team has ranked last in scoring and offensive metrics, and Hill’s individual statistics have also suffered; he is currently on pace for his lowest receiving yards total since his rookie season. However, the positive connection between Tagovailoa and Hill during practice raised hopes for an offensive turnaround, as Hill believes their chemistry could lead to significant plays.
In addition to celebrating Tagovailoa’s return, teammates emphasized the importance of his safety on the field. Both Hill and running back Raheem Mostert acknowledged the need for Tagovailoa to be more mindful of protecting himself, especially after his injury. They shared lighthearted banter about reminding him to slide more often to avoid unnecessary contact. Mostert pointed out that while they can offer guidance, ultimately it’s up to Tagovailoa to make those critical decisions about his safety during games.
Tagovailoa participated in practice as a limited participant and is on track to potentially play on Sunday, depending on his performance in upcoming practices. He reported being symptom-free since the day after his concussion, which marked the third such incident in his NFL career. For him to return to the game, he must also receive final clearance from an independent neurological consultant. The Dolphins and their fans remain hopeful that his comeback will significantly boost the struggling offense and lead to improved results in their upcoming games.
