Tua set to return after 'top medical experts' all agreed on one thing

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Tua Tagovailoa set to return after 'top medical experts' all agreed on one thing

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated Oct 25, 2024 12:02 PM ET

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be back under center for the Miami Dolphins in their Week 8 contest against the Arizona Cardinals.

It'll be Tagovailoa's first time on the field since he exited Miami's Week 2 "Thursday Night Football" loss vs. the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 12 with a concussion. It was the 26-year-old's third concussion of his NFL career, following his pair of head injuries during the 2022 season.

Tagovailoa returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since Week 2, and on Friday, the Dolphins detailed the southpaw's road back to the field.

According to the team, he got care from "top medical experts across the country," and "not one doctor recommended he retire from the game."

Per the Dolphins:

Tua Tagovailoa followed the NFL’s five-step Return to Participation Protocol, including an examination and clearance by an Independent Neurological Consultant.

Following Thursday’s practice, Tagovailoa was examined by the Independent Neurological Consultant… https://t.co/ji9xoIyKTc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2024

Tagovailoa's decision to keep playing has divided analysts and fans. Some admire his dedication to the game and trust his decision, while others think he's foolish to put his life at risk.

Tagovailoa is expected to significantly improve Miami's offensive output, which has struggled mightily since the Alabama product went down.

Despite still having talents like wideouts Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, plus running backs De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, the Dolphins offense has been abysmal over the last six weeks. Whether it's been Skylar Thompson, Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley under center, the results haven't been good.

The unit shattered records in South Beach last season and won this year's opener 20-17, but they were crushed by 61 points combined across Weeks 2, 3, and 4 against the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, and Tennessee Titans, respectively. Miami bounced back with a Week 5 win against the New England Patriots but still wasn't exactly an offensive powerhouse, outlasting their division rivals 15-10.

The Dolphins had their bye in Week 6 and lost to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7 by a score of 16-10.

Head coach Mike McDaniel's group enters Sunday's contest against the Cardinals, ranked last in the NFL in scoring (11.7 points per game).

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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