Miami Dolphins

Dolphins activate Tua Tagovailoa from IR, elevate two receivers for Jaguars game

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa waits to take part in a practice and media availability by the Miami Dolphins In Ware, England, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. The Dolphins play the Jaguars in a regular season NFL game on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspurs White Hart Lane stadium in London.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa waits to take part in a practice and media availability by the Miami Dolphins In Ware, England, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021. The Dolphins play the Jaguars in a regular season NFL game on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspurs White Hart Lane stadium in London. AP

The Dolphins have activated quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from injured reserve ahead of the team’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday.

Tagovailoa is officially listed as questionable to play, but he is expected to start his first game since fracturing his ribs in Week 2. He returned to practice Wednesday and went through the week without any setbacks.

“I’m just 100 percent ready to get back out on the field,” Tagovailoa said after Friday’s practice in Ware, England.

The Dolphins also elevated wide receivers Isaiah Ford and Kirk Merritt from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. It’s the second call-up for Ford, who made his season debut last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played three offensive snaps, catching one pass for three yards.

Under NFL rules, practice squad players can be elevated to the game-day roster twice and return to the practice squad without first having to clear waivers.

If active, Merritt could make his season debut in London. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Merritt impressed during training camp and preseason but did not make the 53-man roster. Shortly after being released, he signed to the Dolphins’ practice squad.

Ford and Merritt provide depth options at wide receiver with DeVante Parker ruled out for Sunday because of a lingering shoulder and hamstring injury. Fellow wideout Will Fuller is on injured reserve and won’t be eligible to return until Week 8.

Daniel Oyefusi
Miami Herald
Daniel Oyefusi covers the Dolphins for the Miami Herald. A native of Towson, Maryland, he graduated from the University of Maryland: College Park. Previously, he covered the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.
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