MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is projected to be back on the field in 2024, despite facing his third concussion in a span of two years earlier this season.
Coach Mike McDaniel shared on Monday that Tagovailoa has had encouraging consultations with neurologists during the team’s bye week, though he remains under concussion protocol and is currently on injured reserve.
“I do expect we will see him playing football in 2024,” McDaniel commented for the first time since Tagovailoa’s injury, adding, “but we’ll allow the process to unfold before making further predictions.”
Tagovailoa will not be eligible to return to play until the Dolphins face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. McDaniel indicated that the quarterback will continue to meet with specialists to determine a safe timeline for his return.
The injury occurred during a Week 2 match against Buffalo, where Tagovailoa collided with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin. He attempted to gain a first down but initiated the contact by lowering his shoulder into Hamlin instead of taking a safer option by sliding.
Since entering the NFL, Tagovailoa has dealt with multiple head injuries, including two concussions in 2022, which brought further scrutiny to the league’s concussion policies following a particularly concerning incident that season.
McDaniel has advised against making assumptions about Tagovailoa’s career after this setback.
“I don’t dwell on whether he will or won’t continue his playing career,” McDaniel stated, “because I’ve recognized that this isn’t the right question. It’s crucial to focus on him as a person first.”
This season, the Dolphins’ offense has faced challenges, having seen three different quarterbacks take the field in Tagovailoa’s absence. As they head into this week’s game against Indianapolis, Miami holds one of the lowest scoring averages in the NFL, with just 12 points per game.
Until Tagovailoa is ready to return, Tyler “Snoop” Huntley will lead the team. Huntley has recorded a 1-1 record in his two starts this season, with McDaniel noting that the former Ravens quarterback is improving his grasp of the Dolphins’ offensive system.