Tua Tagovailoa expected to return as Miami Dolphins starter for 2023
BUFFALO, N.Y. ― Tua Tagovailoa is expected to return as Dolphins' starting quarterback next season.
The update on Tagovailoa was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter early Sunday morning.
According to the report, doctors feel Tagovailoa should be able to resume his career next season, if not sooner. It may even be possible for Tua to play this postseason if Miami advances.
Tagovailoa will miss his third consecutive game on Sunday against the Bills after sustaining his second diagnosed concussion this season.
Tua led the NFL in passer rating in his first season under coach Mike McDaniel.
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"I see, I think we all see, Tua as the leader of this team," McDaniel said after Sunday's 34-31 loss at Buffalo. "And when it's appropriate for him to lead the team we'll jump on that opportunity. He's a great player with only improvement in front of him.. This is a challenging time for him. Yes, his health is of primary importance. But I'd be a fool to not embrace him when he's healthy and ready to go."
Except for concerns about Tagovailoa's healthy and long-term durability, there is really no reason Miami would consider looking elsewhere this offseason.
Tom Brady has had an interest in exploring Miami in the past. And Jimmy Garoppolo has played for McDaniel in San Francisco.
But in an ideal world, Miami is able to move forward with Tua.
It's what the quarterback wants. And it's what would be best for the organization.
After the season concludes, the Dolphins will need to address if they exercise Tagovailoa's fifth-year option for 2024.
If not for injury history and any concerns about the concussions, that would have been an easy decision. The same can be said about a long-term contract for Tagovailoa.
Miami will need to weigh his talents against any durability and health concerns. But if Tua stays on an expected course of recovery, he is their top choice to start in 2023.
Joe Schad can be reached at jschad@pbpost.com
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa expected to return as starter
