Here we go. Following Miami’s matchup with Indianapolis, Tua Tagovailoa will have missed four games after being placed on Injured Reserve due to a concussion sustained in Week 2. However, it’s now confirmed that he won’t be sidelined any longer.
As reported by Dianna Russini from The Athletic, Tagovailoa has passed all protocols and, after consulting with neurologists, is set to return to the Dolphins following their game against the Colts. He is expected to play against the Cardinals in Week 8. Boom:
Tua Tagovailoa is back. The Miami quarterback is set to practice this week and the hope is he will start in week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals, per sources.
Here’s more on Miami and more intel around the league:https://t.co/gx67zF8xfy pic.twitter.com/k7ZeesIFtJ— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 19, 2024
There’s no reason to think Tua won’t play against the Cardinals if he’s healthy enough to practice. Even if he’s a bit rusty, he still gives the team the best chance to win. This is promising news for Dolphins fans and the organization, but it does raise some questions.
While there’s no doubt about his determination to win or his commitment to performing at a high level, it’s uncertain how much “rust” he will need to shake off. When he returned from his first concussion in 2022, Tua appeared more hesitant. He tended to throw the ball quickly to avoid taking hits and didn’t run as aggressively, often stopping short of defenders. Although this cautious approach was smart, it cost him some yardage and first downs. To address this, he might explore martial arts training to improve his confidence and performance.
Tua Tagovailoa’s return is the massive boost the Miami Dolphins need
This time, Tua shouldn’t be as concerned about taking another hit. In the game against the Bills, he avoided being hit or thrown to the ground, even choosing to lower his head and go through a defender rather than sliding. That was contact he could have avoided. While timing may initially be a concern, the Cardinals have a weak defense, and Tua along with the offense should be able to address any issues.
However, the Dolphins need to focus on Week 8 first. They’re facing the Colts this weekend, and if they can secure a win against the AFC South team, Tua will return with a .500 record at 3-3. The toughest parts of their schedule are still ahead, but having their franchise quarterback back on the field will significantly help their chances of climbing the standings.
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