Although Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa may have been a full participant in practice, he was also listed on the first injury report of the year. Fortunately, it appears to be a precaution heading into the 2020 NFL season.
Despite being listed on the injury report, Tagovailoa has been cleared to serve as the backup in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, per ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter:
Dolphins' first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa, whose status for this season became in question after fracturing and dislocating his hip last November, was a full participant in practice this week and will be ready and available for Sunday's opener at New England.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2020
There has been plenty of speculation regarding Tagovailoa's health ever since he went down with the hip injury last November. While the rookie has long been adamant about being back to 100 percent, the restrictions placed in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic prevented him from solidifying this notion during the offseason.
Tagovailoa's injury was not enough to sway the Dolphins from taking him with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick may have established himself as the clear-cut starter in training camp, however, this has given the coaching staff the chance to take their time with his development along with any lingering effects of the hip injury.
Tagovailoa's activity and designation indicates that while he is fully prepared to serve as Fitzpatrick's backup at any moment, Miami is still doing their due diligence on his hip. The chance of this becoming a cause for concern could depend on whether or not he is consistently placed on the injury report throughout the season.
For now, the Dolphins are hoping Fitzpatrick can build off the momentum from last season until Tagovailoa is ready to take the reins away.
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