Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel not sure if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will play on Thursday

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is assisted off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Miami Gardens. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell, Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins have a short week to get ready for the Cincinnati Bengals on the road Thursday night.

Head Coach Mike McDaniel led the team on a walk-through on Tuesday, it’s unclear who will be starting quarterback on Thursday.

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Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a back issue that he sustained in the Dolphins win over the Bills.

McDaniel said that Tagovailoa called him late last night just to check in.

McDaniel said, “Just him him talking to me I can tell in his voice he’s literally going to do everything he can and in his power so collectively we... Basically, I know that he’s going to do everything that he can to play. So I’ll know if he doesn’t play, it literally wasn’t possible.”

McDaniel said he’s happy with Tagovailoa’s progression and “feel very optimistic because of how he’s doing about.”

McDaniel said the functionality of Tagovailoa’s back is the team’s concern.

McDaniel said, “Once you can’t protect yourself on an NFL football field, we have to protect you.”

The Dolphins head coach said that he would make a decision on Wednesday and could likely push it back until Thursday if necessary.

If Tagovailoa can’t go, backup Teddy Bridewater would get the start for the Dolphins.

Tagovailoa said he will do everything he can to play on Thursday.

Tagovailoa said, “I’ve been up here getting treatment, doing everything I can to get as close to 100% as possible. That means after all of this, staying as long as I have to until these guys go home.”

Tagovailoa says his back is bothering him more than his ankle.

He said that his head is fine.


About the Author:

David Lang is executive producer of the Local 10 sports department.