Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will return to practice this week with the hopes of being ready for the team’s Week 8 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Monday.
“Our plan is to start him practicing on Wednesday,” McDaniel said. “(Clearing concussion protocol) doesn’t come until after some of the activity, but we’re obviously doing so in the hope of everything going well so that he can play Sunday, but that will be to be determined.”
Tagovailoa is designated to return after the Dolphins placed him on injured reserve following the signal-caller’s Week 2 concussion, his third in the last two years. He’ll need to complete the NFL’s concussion protocol and be activated to the 53-man roster in order to play Sunday against the Cardinals.
“The reason why he’s coming back now is because the medical experts have deemed it safe for him to return,” McDaniel said.
Tagovailoa also spoke to reporters Monday and said he hasn’t experienced symptoms since the day after sustaining the concussion. He added that he didn’t consider retirement.
“I’m frustrated (to be answering these questions again), but this is what it is,” Tagovailoa said. “Do I want to be known for this? No, I don’t. But that’s the cards I’ve been dealt.”
The 26-year-old said that he won’t wear a Guardian Cap upon his return but wouldn’t explain why beyond calling it a “personal choice.”
Tagovailoa completed 64.5% of his passes for 483 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions in his two starts this year.
