Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa clears concussion protocol to play against Cardinals

MIAMI GARDENS – Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has passed concussion protocol and will play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, coach Mike McDaniel said Friday.

Tagovailoa has been in the concussion protocol since Sept. 12 after suffering the third concussion of his career in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. Five days later, he was placed on injured reserve and missed the team's next four games.

The league's leading passer from last season was cleared to return to practice this week per NFL guidelines and was officially cleared to enter the protocol after a full practice on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Tagovailoa said he has been symptom-free since Sept. 13, but he understands the team's decision to place him on IR and “protect myself from myself.” McDaniel said he consulted with “several top medical experts across the country” last month and “zero” of them recommended resignation.

Tagovailoa's decision to return was one he made with his doctors and family, and he was not considering retirement.

The Dolphins have lost three of their four games without Tagovailoa this season and are currently in second place in the AFC East with a 2-4 record. Their offense has ranked last in points scored for six games, although Dolphins players are optimistic that will change with Tagovailoa's return.

“It makes a big difference. Tua – him and Mike, they have a very special connection,” wide receiver Tyreek Hill said. “He allows Tua to be Tua. Tua has a connection with all the guys, we all spend a lot of time with Tua, so the connection is there. Then when you put all of that on the field, it magnifies everything we do – – The throws are on time, the game is faster, he's just great at running this offense.

McDaniel also confirmed that Jevon Holland and linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah will play Sunday after missing one game with injuries. Cornerback Kader Kohou and defensive tackle Zach Sieler will not play, leaving the Dolphins without two defensive starters.