Miami HC Mike McDaniel on Tua Tagovailoa’s possible return: “I expect to see him play football in 2024”

Good news for the Miami Dolphins: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will likely return to the field at some point this calendar year, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Monday. Tagovailoa, who suffered a concussion on September 15 against the Buffalo Bills, was placed on the injured list two days later.

Tagovailoa is eligible to return to practice on Oct. 23 after his IR stay ends, but McDaniel said a return this week is unlikely.

“As far as the schedule goes, I know he’s not playing this week,” McDaniel said in a news conference. “I do expect to see him playing football in 2024, but where exactly that is, we will let the process continue.”

Given his troubling history with concussions, Tagovailoa has met with experts to discuss his possible future in the NFL, but has reportedly said he has no plans to retire. McDaniel said Monday that Tagovailoa may seek additional experts this week.

“We will be careful this week and evaluate afterward,” McDaniel said.

Without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ offense has struggled, going 0-3 in the weeks since the 26-year-old quarterback’s injury. Tyler Huntley, who the Dolphins acquired after placing Tagovailoa on IR, has struggled in his last two games, throwing for 290 yards, no touchdowns and one interception.

Miami had a bye last weekend and will face the Indianapolis Colts on the road next Sunday.