Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been cleared from concussion protocol and will be back on the field this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the news on Friday, emphasizing that medical experts fully support the decision for Tagovailoa to return to action.
“After completing the necessary steps, including practice sessions where we were able to introduce some contact, Tua met with an independent doctor and was fully cleared,” McDaniel said. “He’s out of the protocol.”
McDaniel added that Tagovailoa consulted with numerous medical professionals, all of whom approved his return. “He met with a long list of medical experts, and not a single one recommended that he shouldn’t play. They were all supportive of his continued journey,” McDaniel said.
Although McDaniel hinted at Tagovailoa’s likely return, he wanted to wait until after the final practice to confirm his starting status. “I’m pretty sure I know who it is, but I need to see the week’s practice play out before making it official,” he stated.
Tagovailoa had been sidelined after suffering a concussion during a Week 2 game against the Buffalo Bills on September 12. He was placed on the injured reserve list but was eligible to play this week upon passing the necessary health protocols. Without their starting quarterback, the Dolphins struggled, going 1-3, and their offense averaged just 8.75 points per game during his absence.
The injury occurred when Tua Tagovailoa dived for a first down and collided with Bills safety Damar Hamlin. He managed to walk off the field under his own power after the hit, and on Monday, he told reporters that he had been symptom-free since the day after the injury.
McDaniel addressed why Tagovailoa was placed on the injured reserve list despite his quick recovery. “We made sure to consult with experts whose specialty is brain health to ensure we were following the best course of action. The decision was made to allow Tua to have the rest he needed to recover properly,” he explained.
Tagovailoa has decided not to wear a Guardian Cap, a soft-shell helmet cover designed to reduce the impact of head collisions. He called it “a personal choice,” though he does wear the VICIS ZERO2 MATRIX ID QB helmet, which is regarded by the NFL as the safest helmet option for quarterbacks.
In response to concerns about his health, tua Tagovailoa addressed reporters, expressing his love for the game. “I appreciate the concern. I truly do. I love this game, and I’m committed to it,” he said.
Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith praised Tagovailoa’s return, noting the significant boost it provides for the team. “Having Tua back, with two years of familiarity, is huge. His leadership and preparation make a difference on game day,” Smith said. “He’s been a big part of our offense, and we’re excited to see him back in action on Sunday.”
With Tagovailoa’s return, the Dolphins hope to regain momentum and improve their standing as they face the Arizona Cardinals this weekend.
Leave a Reply