The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins expect Tua Tagovailoa to return sooner than later, but head coach Mike McDaniel isn’t going to rush the process.
The Miami Dolphins are back after a much-needed BYE week, and with head coach Mike McDaniel meeting with reporters for the first time in nearly a week, we all know what — or should I say who — the first question would be about.
Answering a question from long-time Miami Herald beat writer Barry Jackson on Monday morning, the Dolphins head coach was asked how Tua Tagovailoa's meetings with experts went last week.McDaniel said there was a lot to like but stopped short of saying whether or not Tagovailoa would be re-inserted into Miami's starting lineup — as soon as he can return in Week 8.
"I think they've continued to be positive. There is still information that he's seeking this week. As far as timelines go, I know he's not playing this week, and I do expect to see him playing football in 2024, but where that is exactly, we'll let the process continue since we still have time before you even could entertain anything. We'll make sure that he's diligent this week and assess after that."
McDaniel continued:
"I think the biggest thing I've learned is for me as a head coach, it's absolutely imperative that I control the controllable...the next-man up mentality...it is exciting that I do think he'll play football this year – I never went down that rabbit hole of rather he would or wouldn't, just because I've learned through circumstance how that's the wrong question to be asking.
The right questions are completely 100% toward the human being and the player as a result.”
McDaniel may say he never went down the rabbit hole, but we all know how vital Tua Tagovailoa is to the Dolphins. When Tagovailoa is in the lineup, Miami is 20-12 over the last three seasons under head coach McDaniel.
Not to mention, Tua led the NFL in passing a year ago, and one glance at Miami's anemic offense early on and you'd be a fool to think the Dolphins aren't patiently counting down the days till their high-priced QB is back can return.
We know Jaylen Waddle is. Here’s what the Penguin had to say about his former Alabama teammate and BFF 4 Life:
“Tua is a warrior, he’s a fighter. We already know what kind of player he is; we don’t have to speak on that, but he’s an amazing leader. He’s been here for a while – this is his home; this is his team. Obviously, this organization has committed a lot to Tua. We all have committed a lot to Tua – and not just Tua, but to one another. Obviously, that’ll be an encouraging thing for not us, but Tua – I know how much that could mean to him.”
At 2-3, it may feel like the season is over. But if Miami can keep their heads afloat this Sunday vs....
