Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa makes preseason debut with interception then touchdown drive

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made his preseason debut alongside several other key starters in Miami’s 28-3 win over the Houston Texans on Saturday.

The fourth-year player was not among the list of players the team announced pregame as not expected to suit up in Houston. And when he took his first snap, it marked his first game since Christmas Day, when his season effectively ended after a second diagnosed concussion.

In two drives, Tagovailoa experienced a little bit of everything — good and bad.

On the first play from scrimmage, Tagovailoa’s pass attempt, intended for tight end Tyler Kroft, was intercepted by linebacker Denzel Perryman. Tagovailoa disengaged from a blocker to make the tackle and prevent a pick-six.

After a defensive stop and turnover on downs, Tagovailoa was soon back on the field for another drive. His second possession began ominously, with center Connor Williams sending an errant shotgun snap to him. Tagovailoa handed the ball to running back Raheem Mostert just in time to avoid a safety. After the mishap, Tagovailoa settled in, showing flashes of the player who led the NFL in passer rating last season.

He completed five of six passes — three of his completions were third-down conversions — for 61 yards on a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive. Mostert scored on a 2-yard run to give the Dolphins their first touchdown of the preseason and a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Tagovalioa finished the game 5 of 7 for 61 yards and one interception (58.3 passer rating). He also took his first hit in the pocket, being shoved to the ground by defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins. A focus of Tagvoailoa during the offseason was learning jiu-jitsu to alter the way he falls. In many of his head injuries, the back of his helmet slammed against the ground, but he kept his neck straight when hit by Rankins.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said on Thursday that he expected Tagovailoa to play in the preseason at some point. Last season, Tagovailoa similarly made his preseason debut in the second exhibition matchup.

Second-year quarterback Skylar Thompson entered the game for Tagovailoa on the second drive, as he continues his competition with Mike White for the backup spot.

Aside from a few snaps to be checked for an injury, Thompson played the entirety of the game after Tagovailoa left, completing 15 of 22 passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns.

The list of players announced as not expected to play were cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey, Cam Smith, Keion Crossen, Justin Bethel and Ethan Bonner; wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Braylon Sanders; backs Jeff Wilson Jr., Myles Gaskin and Alec Ingold; safety Brandon Jones; offensive linemen Terron Armstead, Lester Cotton and Liam Eichenberg; and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Injury updates

McDaniel said the team involved “anything substantial” with left tackle Terron Armstead’s right leg injury.

Armstead was seen on the sideline wearing a boot on his right foot after injuring his leg in Thursday’s joint practice. He was later carted inside the Texans’ practice facility but later downplayed the severity of the injury.

Offensive lineman Robert Jones left Saturday’s game with a “lower extremity” injury in the second quarter, McDaniel said. After limping to the sideline, he was examined by trainers and then walked into the team’s locker room.

And rookie running back De’Von Achane sustained a shoulder injury that caused him to be carted to the team’s locker room, McDaniel said.

McDaniel said the team would get more information on Sunday regarding the severity of the injuries to Jones and Achane.

Offensive lineman Lester Cotton did not play in the game because of an injury, McDaniel said.