By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-25 16:26:11 | Updated at 2024-10-25 18:26:35
2 hours ago
Tua Tagovailoa has been cleared to start for the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
The quarterback will make his long-awaited return to the field against the Arizona Cardinals after clearing concussion protocol on Friday.
Sunday marks 45 days since he suffered a sickening concussion which came when he initiated contact with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on a scramble instead of sliding.
Tagovailoa returned to practice earlier this week and was a limited performer. He still had to be given the green light from medics and be activated from injured reserve before he could play.
The former Alabama star, who said this week he won't be wearing a Guardian cap, has had four documented concussions in his college and NFL careers, including two in 2022.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been cleared to start for the Miami Dolphins on Sunday
After the latest one, he spent a lot of time talking to doctors, neurologists and other health experts amid claims he could walk away from football.
Not one doctor recommended he retire from the game, leading him to conclude moving forward with his career was the right call.
'Just got to be smart,' Tagovailoa said.
'My entire time playing football, I've been a competitor and that is or was sort of my edge when I would run from high school, even in college I would do the same thing.
'This is the professional level, the best of the best, you just can't be doing that.
'So definitely got to stay more available for the team, for the organization, for our guys.'
Sunday marks 45 days since he suffered a sickening concussion against the Buffalo Bills
The Dolphins have their eyes set on a sudden increase in points as they count on Tagovailoa injecting quarterback quality that has been lacking.
An explosive attack that was one of the best in the league has struggled to find the end zone without him. Miami scored 40 total points in the four games Tagovailoa missed.
Standout receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for 191 receptions, 2,813 yards and 17 scoring receptions last season. They have 46 catches, 563 yards and one score through six games this season.
Hill, though, was highly optimistic Wednesday. 'We're back, baby,' Hill told reporters. 'Strike up the f***ing band. We're back.'
