Wed Oct 16 07:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Dolphins Coach Offers Hope for Tua Tagovailoa’s Return This Season

**MIAMI GARDENS, FL -** Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has offered a glimmer of hope for fans worried about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s future, stating he expects the star player to return to the field this season. Tagovailoa has been on injured reserve since suffering a concussion in Week 1, and is not eligible to return until Week 8. While McDaniel didn’t commit to Tagovailoa playing when he’s eligible, he did offer some optimism.

“I do expect to see him playing football in 2024,” McDaniel said on Monday. “But where that is, exactly — we’ll let the process continue, since we still have time before he can even entertain anything. We’ll make sure that he’s diligent this week and assess after that.”

This statement comes as a relief to fans, as Tagovailoa has a history of concussions since entering the league. He suffered two in 2022, leading to the NFL changing their concussion reporting policies. The Dolphins effectively shut him down for the remainder of last season after his third concussion in December.

McDaniel emphasized that he’s focusing on Tagovailoa’s well-being, and not speculating on whether or not he will return. “I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned, for me as a head coach, it’s absolutely imperative for me to control the controllables,” McDaniel said. “I didn’t really allow myself any sort of contemplation moments on whether he would or wouldn’t. I was so concerned with where he was at in his career, for his family.”

In Tagovailoa’s absence, the Dolphins have relied on quarterbacks Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley. The team plans to continue starting Huntley until Tagovailoa’s return, with McDaniel highlighting the team’s Week 6 bye as a crucial time for Huntley to fully grasp the complex Dolphins offense.

Beyond Tagovailoa, McDaniel provided updates on other injured players. Linebacker Bradley Chubb is not expected to practice or play this week, while running back De’Von Achane’s status remains uncertain following a concussion in Week 5. Safety Jevon Holland, who suffered a hand injury in Week 5, is also week-to-week.

The Dolphins will face the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, with fans eagerly awaiting news on the potential return of their star quarterback.

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