Tua Tagovailoa Nears Return: When Will the Miami Dolphins’ Quarterback Be Back on the Field?
The Miami Dolphins are eagerly anticipating the return of their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, after his latest concussion in Week Two of the 2024 NFL season. Coach Mike McDaniel offered a positive update this Monday, saying he expects Tagovailoa to play again this season, despite what has been a challenging and worrying injury history for the 26-year-old signal-caller. Tagovailoa, the number-five pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has had at least three concussions in the past three years, raising concerns about his long-term health and whether he might consider retiring from the game. However, the Dolphins and their fans were given hope by McDaniel's statement that Tua's return to action this year is likely.
"I do expect to see him playing football in 2024," McDaniel said. "But where that is exactly, we'll let the process continue since we still have time before he even could entertain anything." The injury occurred during a Thursday night matchup against the Buffalo Bills on September 12th. On a critical fourth-down play late in the third quarter, Tagovailoa scrambled for a first down, diving into Bills safety Damar Hamlin. The impact caused Tua’s head to strike Hamlin’s chest before hitting the ground, resulting in what would be his third officially documented concussion.
While the Dolphins' offense—featuring stars like Tyreek Hill, De'Von Achane, and Jaylen Waddle—has struggled in his absence, McDaniel's primary concern remains Tagovailoa's health, not just his availability on the field. "The right questions are completely 100 percent toward the human being," McDaniel emphasized. Since the injury, Tagovailoa has sought medical advice from specialists across the country. Although he was able to remain healthy throughout the 2023 season, his prior concussions, particularly two significant ones in 2022, have cast a long shadow over his career.
Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve following the Week Two game against the Bills this season, meaning he would miss a minimum of four games. Miami's upcoming Week Seven game against the Indianapolis Colts marks the final game of that four-game absence, though there is no definitive timetable for his return. He is eligible to practice again starting October 23rd and could potentially return to action on October 27th, when the Dolphins take on the Arizona Cardinals at home. While Tagovailoa is eligible to return later this month, there is no clear answer as to when he will step back onto the field.
Coach McDaniel expressed his relief that the latest medical reports have been positive but stressed that the Dolphins will continue to take things one step at a time. “It is exciting that I do believe he'll play football this year,” McDaniel reiterated. “But we're focused on his health and the process, not just when he'll be able to suit up again.” For now, Dolphins fans and the NFL community wait with cautious optimism, hoping for the safe return of one of the league’s brightest talents. With Miami off to a rocky 2-3 start and backup quarterbacks Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley struggling to maintain consistency, the return of Tua Tagovailoa could provide the spark the Dolphins need to get back on track for the rest of the season.
