Tua Tagovailoa had to sit out four games after suffering another <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/nfl-10-stories-to-watch-in-the-first-round-of-the-playoffs/" title="NFL: 10 stories to watch in the first round of the playoffs”>concussion because he ended up on the injured reserve list. But the Miami Dolphins quarterback apparently doesn’t want to wait any longer before taking the helm of the offense again.
Tua Tagovailoa is making a surprisingly quick comeback for the Miami Dolphins. As “The Athletic” and “ESPN” report, the quarterback is expected to return to training next week and is aiming to play in the home game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8.
The Hawaiian would have missed four NFL games, which corresponds to the minimum compulsory break for players on the injured reserve list. The Dolphins placed him there after Tagovailoa suffered another concussion in the 10:31 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2.
It was at least the fourth of his still relatively young career. Afterwards, speculation arose again as to whether the 26-year-old would pay tribute to the potentially serious head injuries and hang up his helmet.
However, this shouldn’t be an option for him, especially since American football has been part of his life since he was a child. According to ESPN, the “Lefty” not only consulted neurologists in Pittsburgh, as he had done after previous concussions, but also sought out other experts to be on the safe side.
Tagovailoa before a comeback? “Confidence for Week 8 grows at Dolphins”
“He will 100 percent play again,” an unnamed source is said to have said a few days ago. Head coach Mike McDaniel had promised at least a comeback this season.
The season is off to a slow start for the team that started with great ambitions. After five games, they only have two wins, while the three defeats were sometimes heavy. The offense around Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, which was so explosive last year, only works sporadically.
Tyler Huntley, who stepped in after backup Skylar Thompson suffered a rib injury, seems to be struggling to manage the complex plays tailored to Tagovailoa’s precision. The “Fins” are all the more eager to see the return of their number one, who just signed a new four-year contract worth $212.4 million in the summer.
“ESPN” writes: “Although the Dolphins will monitor him very closely and carefully, there is growing confidence that he will be back behind center next week.” Accordingly, Tagovailoa no longer showed any symptoms shortly after the new incident. Instead of going to a hospital, he stayed in the locker room with the team.
During his time off, he attended team meetings, was on the sidelines at every game and was involved in all team activities other than practices and games, it said.
Official statements about the personnel can only be expected after the Dolphins’ appearance at the Indianapolis Colts in the evening European time. But McDaniel can prepare for the relevant questions.
