Miami Dolphins Coach Optimistic About Tua Tagovailoa’s Return

Miami Gardens, Fla. — Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed optimism regarding the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has been sidelined with a concussion. “I do expect to see him playing football in 2024,” McDaniel stated on Monday, although he did not provide a specific timeline for Tagovailoa’s return.

Tagovailoa has been on injured reserve since suffering a concussion on September 12. The quarterback is ineligible to play until Week 8 when the Dolphins face the New England Patriots. While McDaniel did not commit to Tagovailoa returning in Week 8, he showed confidence in the quarterback’s ability to play later this season, marking the first optimistic update since the injury.

Concerns about Tagovailoa’s health have been ongoing since he joined the league in 2020. Last season, the quarterback experienced two concussions, along with a third significant hit that prompted changes in the NFL’s concussion reporting policy. As a precaution, the Dolphins sidelined him for the remainder of the 2022 season following a December concussion.

Regarding his approach as head coach, McDaniel emphasized focusing on “controlling the controllables” and prioritizing the player’s well-being. “I didn’t really allow myself any sort of contemplation moments on whether he would or wouldn’t [play again],” McDaniel explained, highlighting his concern for Tagovailoa as both a player and a person.

In Tagovailoa’s absence, the Dolphins have been utilizing quarterbacks Skylar Thompson and Chris Streveler. Streveler, who was signed from another team’s practice squad, started his first game just weeks after joining Miami, following an injury to Thompson.

McDaniel announced that the team intends to continue with Huntley as the starting quarterback until Tagovailoa returns. The coach noted that the team’s Week 6 bye allowed Huntley to become more familiar with the Dolphins’ complex offensive strategies.

The Dolphins are also dealing with other injury concerns, including linebacker Elandon Roberts, who is not expected to participate in practice this week as he recovers from an ACL tear sustained last December. Running back Raheem Mostert‘s status is under review after he suffered a concussion during a recent victory over the New York Giants. Mostert was present at Monday’s practice wearing a noncontact jersey. Meanwhile, safety Brandon Jones participated in practice following a hand injury but was listed as week-to-week.