NFL: Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Set to Return in Week 8

On Monday, the Miami Dolphins told reporters that they were designating Tua Tagovailoa to return from injured reserve, and the 26-year-old quarterback is on track to play this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals.

“I’ve been symptom-free since the next day,” Tagovailoa said regarding the concussion he suffered in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. Talking about the extended rest he was given by being placed on IR after the injury, he said, “I think [the Dolphins] did what was best in terms of protecting myself from myself. I love this game, and I love it to the death of me. That’s it.”

And that is the concern.

Tagovailoa’s Health

Tagovailoa, like many football players and other professional athletes, put their desire to compete over their desire to remain healthy. And when the injury in question is repeated head injuries – this was the fourth documented concussion suffered by Tagovailoa in five years – they really will play the sport until death.

Immediately following the Week 2 injury, there were multiple calls from doctors and former players for Tagovailoa to stop playing football. However, he said, “I wasn’t paying attention to any of it.”

Tagovailoa also says that he will not wear a Guardian Cap when he returns to the field, and the NFL’s uniform policy does not allow the team to mandate that he wear one.

The NFL says that studies show that when one player is wearing the 12-ounce soft-shell cap, concussions are reduced by 10%. If both players involved in contact are wearing Guardian Caps, that number rises to as high as 20%.

“How much risk do we take when we get up in the morning?” Tagovailoa said. “Every time we all suit up, we’re all taking a risk that we could potentially get hurt, whether it’s a concussion, a broken bone, anything. There’s just risk in any and everything, and I’m willing to play the odds.”

Sunday vs. Arizona

Tagovailoa will begin practicing with the team on Wednesday, and he will still have to clear concussion protocol this week to be eligible to play against the Cardinals on Sunday. But that is considered to be a formality, since he hasn’t experienced symptoms in several weeks.

The Dolphins are currently 2-4, and a season that began with a Week 1 win desperately needs to get back on track. Tagovailoa says that he doesn’t feel any pressure to be the savior of the season. The Dolphins just need to get back to playing Dolphins football.

That begins with a quick passing game from Tagovailoa to their speedy wide receivers in space. Tyreek Hill began the 2024 season as the betting favorite to win Offensive Player of the Year at +700. He has since fallen to +10000, and his numbers fell off dramatically without his regular quarterback. Hill had 130 yards receiving in Week 1 with a healthy Tagovailoa. In the five games since, he has just 164 yards. His only touchdown also came in that Week 1 win.

Miami is favored in Sunday’s game by three points, and because of the weak middle class in the AFC, they do still have a chance to make the playoffs. A bet on Miami to make the postseason pays +260, which is a significant change from the -155 they were paying in the preseason.

The Buffalo Bills are the runaway favorites to win the AFC East, paying -800. The Dolphins are currently third, paying +1100.