The Miami Dolphins have finally confirmed that Tua Tagovailoa will return as the starting quarterback for their upcoming game against the Arizona Cardinals, putting an end to weeks of speculation and anticipation from fans. After being sidelined and in concussion protocol, Tagovailoa has been given the green light and cleared to resume play, reuniting with his teammates in practice earlier this week. His return is a big relief for the Dolphins, as the offense struggled significantly without him, impacting the team’s competitive edge in recent games.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has cleared concussion protocol and will start Sunday vs. Cardinals.
Tua will be officially activated off injured reserve before Sunday’s game, which is 45 days since his WK2 concussion. pic.twitter.com/Mtn6HuQfjW
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 25, 2024
Despite rumors that he would be ready for Week 8, the Dolphins remained cautious in their approach to Tagovailoa’s status. His return offers a much-needed boost to Miami’s offense, especially as they aim to make a run for the playoffs. Currently, they’re only 1.5 games behind the seventh seed, keeping them within reach of postseason contention, though the team is in urgent need of improved performances across the board to turn their season around. Historically, the Dolphins have made it to the playoffs after a 2-4 start, as seen in 2008 and 2016. If they can mount a similar comeback this season, it will require consistency and strong play from both the offense and defense, especially now that they have their starting quarterback back.
Tagovailoa’s return to the field doesn’t come without concerns. Miami’s offensive struggles in his absence have highlighted challenges that Tua will need to address immediately upon his return, including offensive schemes and passing precision. In the early season matchups against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, the offense struggled to find rhythm, making it difficult for key players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to impact the game. Without Tua, the Dolphins’ offensive threats have been underutilized; Hill and Waddle, in particular, saw reduced opportunities as the team faced strong defensive schemes from opponents like the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Mike McDaniel has credited these receivers for staying engaged despite limited touches, and now that Tua is back, he’ll look to better integrate these dynamic players into Miami’s offensive game plan.
The key to Tagovailoa’s successful return will hinge on Miami’s ability to protect him from pressure, giving him time in the pocket to connect with his receivers. In addition, McDaniel may need to make adjustments to his play-calling strategy to keep the Dolphins’ offense unpredictable. Simply returning Tua to his role without changes won’t be enough to ensure success. Hill and Waddle are crucial weapons, and their chemistry with Tagovailoa could make the difference in Miami’s pursuit of a playoff berth. The Dolphins’ offensive line will play a significant role, as limiting defensive pressure on Tua is critical to his health and effectiveness on the field.
Tua’s return represents a potential turning point for Miami, both in terms of leadership and offensive capability. His confidence and trust in his teammates are well-documented, and his ability to connect with Hill and Waddle opens up new possibilities for the Dolphins’ offense. If Miami can use this opportunity to revitalize their game plan and secure a win against the Cardinals, the team could be well-positioned for the remaining season stretch.
