Video Shows Tua Back At Practice For First Time Since Concussion
Tua Tagovailoa took another step toward returning on Wednesday.
The Miami Dolphins quarterback hasn't played since suffering the third diagnosed concussion of his NFL career in a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Earlier this week, head coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa plans to practice with hopes of starting a Week 8 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
For the first time since getting concussed on Sept. 12, Tagovailoa practiced Wednesday. The Sun Sentinel's David Furones shared a video of the quarterback lightly throwing without a helmet or pads.
Despite considerable public concern over his health, Tagovailoa told reporters Monday that he didn't consider walking away after his latest concussion. He also cited his "personal choice" not to wear the league's soft-shelled padded Guardians Caps during games.
While he vowed to play "smart," Tagovailoa noted that all football players risk their well-being when they step onto the gridiron.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 25: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins takes the field prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
"Every time we all suit up, we're all taking a risk that we could potentially get hurt, whether it's a concussion, a broken bone, anything," Tagovailoa said. "You get up off of the bed the wrong way, you potentially could risk you spraining your ankle. There's just risk in any and everything, and I'm willing to play the odds."
Tagovailoa has missed the last four games on the injured reserve. In his absence, the Dolphins fell to 2-4 and have scored an NFL-low 11.7 points per game after averaging the league's second-most points (29.2) last season.
McDaniel told reporters Wednesday that Tagovailoa's return will be a "big deal" for his team. He noted that the quarterback garnered the team's most player votes for captain before the season.
If he clears the league's concussion protocol, Tagovailoa could play this Sunday when the Dolphins host the Cardinals at 1 p.m. ET.
