Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and is expected to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Tagovailoa met with numerous medical experts who deemed it safe for him to play football again for the Dolphins (2-4).
He needed to clear the NFL’s five-step return-to-play process, which came after he participated in practices and took contact without exhibiting concussion symptoms.
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Tagovailoa was taken off the field against the Buffalo Bills, after a collision with Damar Hamlin led to a concussion
Tagovailoa was examined after Thursday’s practice by an independent neurological consultant, who cleared him to play Sunday, coach Mike McDaniel said.
“Words can’t describe how excited I get for all players that have opportunities that I know they don’t take for granted. It’s very exciting from a human perspective as a coach for this team.”
Tagovailoa was concussed when he collided with Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin after running for a first down and initiating contact by lowering his shoulder into Hamlin instead of sliding.
He has a history of head injuries since entering the NFL, having been diagnosed with two concussions in 2022 and suffered another scary hit to the head that season which led to changes in the NFL’s concussion rules.
The Dolphins have played three different quarterbacks in his place.
Skylar Thompson replaced him against Buffalo and started Week 3 before injuring his ribs.
Tyler Huntley went 1-1 as a starter before getting hurt on Sunday in the third quarter against Indianapolis. Tim Boyle ended up finishing the game.
How to follow the 2024 NFL season
Make sure you tune in to Sky Sports NFL every Sunday – this week at 5pm – for the first game of our triple-header of live action. The evening’s entertainment also includes NFL Redzone action as hosted by Scott Hanson, as well as Sunday Night Football to round off the night.
Sky Sports will broadcast two exclusive live games every Sunday throughout the regular season in the 6pm and 9pm slots, while also showing every Thursday Night, Sunday Night and Monday Night match-up as well as the Thanksgiving and Christmas Day fixtures.
The Sky Sports NFL channel will meanwhile continue to show the usual NFL Network favourites, including Good Morning Football, Pro Football Talk and Total Access.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app – giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Stream The new EFL season, Test cricket and more top sport with NOW.