Brian Flores, Dolphins coach, discusses Tua Tagovailoa’s return to practice and whether or not he will play this weekend. (0:51).
MIAMI -- Dolphins quarterback TuaTagovailoa practiced Wednesday after fracturing his ribs in week 2.
After suffering an injury in the Dolphins' defeat to the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa was put on injured reserve and has missed three of the last three games. Coach Brian Flores stated that Tagovailoa will be playing Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"We are excited to bring him back. Flores stated that he is excited to be back out there. We'll just take it one day at time. We are moving in the right direction so he will be there. He will have the chance to practice and, hopefully, play in the game.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa back at practice today as is Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) pic.twitter.com/JkgHNVBIhM Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) October 13, 2021
Miami lost all three games with Tagovailoa absent, and he was replaced by Jacoby Brissett as backup quarterback after he injured his hamstring during Sunday's loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Flores stated that Tagovailoa still has some pain, but that the second-year professional won't let that stop him from playing.
Flores stated that if you ask him, he is 100% and that he is fine. He won't tell anyone anything different. He has made great progress. He is dealing with something and he will persevere. He's the kind of child he is. We're hopeful he'll be able to practice well today and be available on Saturday. I expect both men to be available."
Tagovailoa threw 202 yards and a touchdown in his only complete game of the season, a 17-16 victory over the New England Patriots.
After suffering a compound hip injury in his last season at Alabama, Tagovailoa entered the 2020 NFL Draft with questions about his football longevity. However, he was picked fifth by the Dolphins. After recovering from the injury, Tagovailoa made nine starts with the Dolphins as an rookie. He completed 186 of 290 passes, 1,814 yards, and had 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.
