Dolphins’ Tagovailoa clears concussion protocol. But Dolphins lose a top defender
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa cleared concussion protocol on Thursday and will start on Sunday against visiting Arizona (1 p.m., Fox).
And he will have his top two targets available. Coach Mike McDaniel said he’s “very optimistic” that Tyreek Hill (foot) and Jaylen Waddle (quadriceps) will play on Sunday after being limited in practice this week. (Hill was later listed as questionable.)
But the Dolphins sustained one major injury setback this week: Defensive lineman Zach Sieler was poked in the eye during Thursday’s practice and is out for Sunday’s game. Sieler sustained an orbital fracture, per NFL Network.
McDaniel said he doesn’t know when Sieler will be able to play again, calling him “week to week.” McDaniel said it’s the first time he has seen this type of injury in his coaching career.
Da’Shawn Hand likely will play more in Sieler’s absence, alongside Calais Campbell. Benito Jones and Brandon Pili are the other defensive lineman on the 53-man roster.
The Dolphins likely will need to elevate one of two practice squad defensive tackles: newcomer Matt Dickerson (who has played in 36 career games, including 12 for Kansas City last season) or Neil Farrell, a 2022 Raiders fourth round pick out of LSU. Farrell, who is 6-4 and 325 pounds, has 13 tackles in 12 NFL games for the Raiders and Chiefs.
Long snapper Matt Overton likely needs to be the Dolphins’ other elevation Sunday, with Blake Ferguson out at least four games due to personal reasons.
Meanwhile, Tagovailoa on Sunday will play for the first time since sustaining his fourth documented concussion, and possibly his fifth, on Sept. 12 against Buffalo.
He followed the NFL’s rigorous five step Return to Participating protocol. Following Thursday’s practice, Tagovailoa was examined by an independent neurological consultant and cleared to play Sunday.
As he progressed through protocol, Tagovailoa received care from several top medical experts around the country.
His decision to return to the game following medical clearance is a decision he made with his doctors and family.
“Zero [doctors] recommended that he shouldn’t play football,” McDaniel said. “That’s what drove his confidence.”
The Dolphins will need to clear a spot on the 53-man roster for Tagovailoa by 4 p.m. Saturday.
Skylar Thompson is on track to be Tagovailoa’s backup on Sunday, though McDaniel said he wanted to see Friday’s practice before determining a No. 2 quarterback. Thompson, back from a chest and ribs injury, said he now pain free and is preparing as if he will be the backup QB on Sunday.
McDaniel addressed other issues:
▪ Outside linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah (bicep) and safety Jevon Holland (hand) are expected to play on Sunday after missing the last game, McDaniel said.
▪ Cornerback Kader Kohou (neck) is out on Sunday and cornerback Storm Duck (ankle) is unlikely to play, McDaniel said. Jalen Ramsey could play more in the slot to replace Kohou; Holland is another option.
In fact, McDaniel spoke of the possibility of having “Jalen playing nickel or Jevon Holland or players in different positions to keep offenses off balance and utilize your really good players and put them in positions for success.”
Cam Smith and Siran Neal also are available as backup cornerbacks behind Ramsey and Kendall Fuller.
▪ Guard Liam Eichenberg, who has dealt with two shoulder injuries this week, will play on Sunday, McDaniel said.
This story was originally published October 25, 2024 at 11:56 AM.
