The Dolphins expect to open QB Tua Tagovailoa's 21-day practice window before Week 8

Tagovailoa suffered a concussion on September 12 during a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It was his first diagnosed concussion since suffering his second concussion in the 2022 season.

According to Rapoport, Tagovailoa has had ample time to consider his short- and long-term future and has sought out countless experts and specialists to help him and his family make the decision to continue playing.

Mike McDaniel said earlier this week that he expects Tagovailoa to play again in 2024, but the Dolphins head coach, with the help of medical experts, has continued to ensure the 26-year-old's health is at the forefront of all football decisions.

“It's exciting that I think he's going to play football this year,” McDaniel said Monday. “I never bothered with the question of whether he would do it or not, just because I learned through circumstances that that was the wrong question. The right questions are 100 percent directed at the person and the player.” a result.”

Given Tagovailoa's history with head injuries, his return isn't just a matter of clearing concussion protocol before returning to action. Returning to the practice field next week will be a big step in that process that will need to be closely monitored along the way.

After a bye in Week 6, the Dolphins (2-3) return to action on Sunday with a road game against the Indianapolis Colts. If all goes well after that, they could move forward with their franchise QB under center.