The Miami Dolphins are in the playoff hunt and could have a positive outlook on Tua Tagovailoa’s return.
Ryan Fitzpatrick could set career numbers and it wouldn’t change the Miami Dolphins’ mind. When healthy, rookie Tua Tagovailoa is the incumbent starter for the remainder of 2020.
Tagovailoa missed Sunday’s 20-3 victory over the New York Jets after a thumb injury prevented him from boosting his stat line. There still is no guarantee he’ll be set to return to action on Sunday when the Dolphins play host to Cincinnati at Hard Rock Stadium.
However, with the support of Brian Flores and comments from offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, it feels as if Tagovailoa should be back in action for another easy victory on their way to the postseason barring any setbacks.
“I don’t know till we get back in the office Wednesday exactly what the status is, but he’s working hard to get ready,” Gailey told reporters of Tagovailoa. “He’s a tough guy.”
There’s never been a question of Tagovailoa’s toughness. This time last season, some believed he’d never play football again. Fast forward a calendar year and he’s 3-1 as the Dolphins starter.
The Dolphins are sitting a 7-4 entering Week 13 and remain the No.6 seed in the AFC playoffs. Fitzpatrick currently has a 4-3 record when starting and did his best to command the offense Sunday against his former team.
Should the Dolphins let Tua rest this weekend?
Fitzpatrick docked the Jets’ secondary going 24-of-39 for 274 yards and a pair of touchdowns. One was a beautiful 30-yard score to the back of the end zone to tight Mike Gesicki, proving age is just a number.
Tagovailoa possesses all the traits needed in a franchise quarterback, but the offense has asked him to do little early on in his young career. So far, his longest pass of the season has come against the Cardinals in which he found Preston Williams for a 35-yard gain. His next best? 23 yards.
It’s important for Tagovailoa to see live reps if Miami hopes to make the postseason with him as the leading man. Against an atrocious Bengals’ secondary, this should be a quality tune-up game before a potential playoff preview versus Kansas City.
It’ll be a game-time decision, but if Tagovailoa can go, Tua Time should be back in action for fans of the Phins.