MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Tua Tagovailoa is one step closer to making his return to the Miami Dolphins.
Tagovailoa will practice with the team on Wednesday.
He cannot officially be cleared from the concussion protocol until he practices.
On Monday, the team opened up his 21-day window to return from injured reserve.
Tagovailoa went down with a concussion against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 12.
The Dolphins quarterback was placed on injured reserve, meaning that he would have to miss at least four games.
During their time without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins offense struggled.
The team had a 1-3 record.
Tagovailoa sustained several concussions during the 2022 season.
Head Coach Mike McDaniel said, “The reason that he’s returning now is that medical experts have deemed it safe to return.”
McDaniel said that the medical experts deemed that Tagovailoa would best be served with the time.
McDaniel said, “Each concussion is unique on its own, that’s why you have to rely on people who study the brain for a living.”
Tagovailoa said, “I’ve been symptom-free from the next day on.”
He added, “Gotta stay more available for the team, for the organization, for the guys.”
As for his family, no one’s advice impacted his decision to return.
He said, “I’m frustrated, but this is what it is. Do I want to be known for this? No I don’t. But it is what it is.”
The quarterback had to clear concussion protocol before he could return to any game.
The Dolphins host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.