Tua Tagovailoa was urged by many within the NFL community to retire following his latest concussion, but all signs continue to point to the Miami Dolphins star playing again. Not only that, but one prominent reporter believes Tagovailoa will be back this season.
Adam Schefter discussed Tagovailoa’s status during a Tuesday morning appearance on ESPN Radio’s “UnSportsmanLike with Evan, Canty, and Michelle.” Schefter shared the noteworthy update that Tagovailoa has been “symptom-free” as the quarterback approaches the three-week mark since he suffered his most recent concussion. Schefter also said he would be surprised if Tagovailoa sits out the rest of 2024.
"I think at this point and time, it would be more surprising if Tua didn't come back." @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/YmclTFr3Fa
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) October 1, 2024
“I think he’s gonna be back,” Schefter said. “I think that’s something that a lot of people at the time thought was challenging, if not unlikely. The fact of the matter is, he has been symptom-free and he has felt better. He has visited with neurologists and, to my knowledge, I don’t think anybody has said to him, ‘You can’t do this.’ I don’t think anybody has said that, and I think he wants to go do this. … I think at this point in time, it would be surprising if Tua didn’t come back.”
Skylar Thompson took over for Tagovailoa after Tua was injured in Miami’s Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Thompson then started in Week 3 but suffered an injury of his own. That led to Tyler Huntley starting for the Dolphins in Monday night’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
Huntley went 14-of-22 for just 96 yards in Miami’s 31-12 loss to the Titans. He added 40 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins were unable to string together drives and struggled to get the ball into the hands of Tyreek Hill and their other playmakers.
The Dolphins are now 1-3 on the year. As long as they are without Tagovailoa, there will not be much optimism that they can work their way into playoff contention.
Fortunately, Miami has a winnable game against the New England Patriots in Week 5 and then a bye in Week 6. Tagovailoa is eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 8, and it does not sound out of the question that he will be back by then.