Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has been cleared from concussion protocol and is set to return to the field this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed this development, which comes after Tagovailoa suffered his third concussion during a game against the Buffalo Bills on September 12. As a result of the injury, he was placed on injured reserve and missed the subsequent four games.
Tagovailoa’s path back to playing involved a careful adherence to NFL protocols. After being cleared to practice this week, he participated fully on Thursday, leading to his return to active status. He expressed that he had been symptom-free since September 13, acknowledging the team’s decision to protect him by placing him on injured reserve. Tagovailoa sought advice from several top medical experts, all of whom recommended that he not consider retirement.
The decision for Tagovailoa to return to action was made in consultation with his doctors and family. He emphasized his determination to continue playing, despite his concussion history. Coach McDaniel reassured fans and teammates that the medical professionals consulted showed no concerns about Tagovailoa’s safety, indicating that his return to the field is both responsible and well-supported.
The Dolphins have faced challenges in Tagovailoa’s absence, losing three out of four games and currently holding a 2-4 record, which places them second in the AFC East. Their offensive performance has notably struggled, ranking last in the league in scoring. However, optimism is high among players like wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who pointed out the strong connection between Tagovailoa and his teammates. Hill believes that Tagovailoa’s return will greatly enhance the team’s overall offensive dynamics.
In addition to Tagovailoa’s comeback, Coach McDaniel announced that safety Jevon Holland and linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah would return to play after missing one game due to injuries. Unfortunately, the Dolphins will have to cope without cornerback Kader Kohou and defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who are sidelined due to injuries. This leaves the team with notable gaps in their defense as they prepare for the upcoming matchup against the Cardinals.
