Good news for the Miami Dolphins. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will likely return to the field sometime this year, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Monday. Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in a game against the Buffalo Bills on September 15 and was placed on injured reserve two days later.
Tagovailoa could return to practice on Oct. 23 after completing his IR assignment, but McDaniel said it is unlikely he will return this week.
“We know based on the timeline that he’s not going to play this week,” McDaniel said in a press conference. “I expect to see him playing football in 2024, but when exactly that will be, we’ll let the process continue.”
Given his history with concussions, Tagovailoa has been meeting with experts to discuss his future in the NFL, but reportedly said he has no intention of retiring. McDaniel said Monday that Tagovailoa’s government may seek additional experts this week.
“We’re definitely going to work hard this week and evaluate afterward,” McDaniel said.
The Dolphins’ offense has struggled without Tagovailoa, going 0-3 in the weeks since the 26-year-old quarterback was injured. Tyler Huntley, acquired by the Dolphins after they placed Tagovailoa on IR, has struggled over the past two games, throwing for 290 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
Miami received a bye last weekend and will play the Indianapolis Colts on the road next Sunday.