On Wednesday, Tua Tagovailoa was able to practice with the Miami Dolphins for the first time in more than a month. He missed the past four games recovering from a recent concussion.
Tagovailoa still has to go through the final stages of the NFL's concussion protocol to play in Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. However, by returning to the practice field, he is one step closer to being able to play in games.
“I feel really good about how he attacked this whole process and how he rose from there to today,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said before Wednesday's practice. spoke. “And I’m hoping that if I do a good job for a few days, I won’t have any blips and will be ready to play.”
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa speaks on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Monday, September 30, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Since Tagovailoa was diagnosed with the third concussion of his NFL career on September 12, he has met with numerous medical professionals who specialize in brain and head injuries. Experts have determined it is safe for him to return to football, McDaniel said Monday.
Tagovailoa said he will not wear the Guardian Cap, an optional protective soft-shell helmet cover worn by players during games. He described the decision as a “personal choice.” He already wears a quarterback-specific helmet designed to reduce head injuries.
Tagovailoa acknowledged some of the concerns that he could get injured again on the football field. “Thank you for your concern,” Tagovailoa told reporters. “I really do. I love this game, I love it to death, that's all.”
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) leaves the field at the end of the first half during the NFL football game vs. the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
He also suggested that daily life comes with a degree of responsibility. He also made it clear that he is aware of the risks that come with playing in the NFL.
“How much risk do we take when we wake up in the morning and drive to work? We could be in a car accident,” Tagovailoa said. “Every time we put on a suit, we run the risk of potentially getting an injury, whether it's a concussion, whether it's a broken bone, whether it's getting out of bed the wrong way. Potentially a sprain. There's a risk of doing something.''Everything has risks, and I'm willing to take a chance.''
Tagovailoa suffered two concussions in 2022, the latter of which caused him to briefly lose consciousness, and a third time when he sustained a blow to the head that was not diagnosed as a concussion.
Tagovailoa's concussion occurred in Week 2 when he initiated contact with Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin and instead of sliding, he lowered his shoulder and made contact with Hamlin. His teammates said they have since stressed that he should skate in such situations in the future.
“You can say that to him until he's blue in the face,” running back Raheem Mostert said. “But one thing I can tell you is that I have a saying that goes, ‘You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.’ We took Tua to the water. I'm going to take him to the water, but I can't get him to drink.”
McDaniel added that once Tagovailoa returns to play, it will be paramount to make sure he does everything possible to protect himself.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, quarterback, leaves the game with a concussion during the second half of the NFL football vs. Buffalo Bills game on Thursday, September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Talk to Tua Tagovailoa (1 year old). . (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
“I think he understands his responsibility to the whole organization better at this point…and he feels a huge responsibility to do whatever is in his power to be on the field. So protecting himself is part of that. ,” McDaniel said. “He's got to be able to protect himself. Regardless of the first down conversion he's trying to get, he's got to be smart about how he makes contact in order for him to be on the field with his team. ”
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The Dolphins averaged over 200 passing yards and over 400 total yards per game with Tagovailoa last season. They finished second in scoring with 29.2 points and led the league in explosive plays of 10 yards or more.
Under Skylar Thompson, Tyler Huntley and Tim Boyle, Miami hasn't scored more than 15 points, and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have seen a significant drop in production in Tagovailoa's absence Sunday. In the loss, he had two catches for a total of 19 yards. To the Indianapolis Colts.
McDaniel also pointed out that Tagovailoa shouldn't be viewed as the “savior” of Miami's offense.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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