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Tua Tagovailoa was unable to suit up for the Miami Dolphins in Week 12 due to a thumb ailment, but he's apparently nearing a return. While the Dolphins prepare for the Cincinnati Bengals, Tagovailoa discussed his progress on recovering from his thumb injury.
“I’m feeling good,” Tagovailoa said via the Miami Herald. “I think that’s a question for coach [Brian Flores] and our head trainer. But as a competitor, you always want to go out there and you want to be able to play. Flo and our medicals staff, they have the best interests for us [in mind]. They wouldn’t put me out there if they thought it would be harmful. Taking it one day at a time and trusting those guys.”
Even before Tagovailoa was ruled out in Week 12, there seemed to be a slight chance he could play for the Dolphins. However, Brian Flores elected to keep him out and have Ryan Fitzpatrick start against the New York Jets.
Seeing that Miami hopes to have Tagovailoa as their long-term option at quarterback, they are taking a cautious approach with the rookie signal-caller. When Tagovailoa does return, he may be sporting a wrap on his thumb, which could take some getting used to.
“I had to wrap my hand, and [I’m] getting used to the wrap and whatnot,” Tagovailoa said. “Just other than that, I’m trying to get into the rhythm again with some of the guys. Continue to learn from [Ryan Fitzpatrick], continue to learn from our coaches.”
Given the competitor that Tagovailoa is, he seems ready to return to action in Week 13 versus the Bengals. At the same time, it is undetermined if Flores is comfortable enough reinserting his first-year quarterback until he's one-hundred percent healthy again.
