Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa could return in Week 3 after rib injury
One day after things couldn’t have gone much worse for the Dolphins, they received doses of positive news, especially on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s ribs.
Coach Brian Flores suggested Tagovailoa could be in uniform for next Sunday’s game against the host Las Vegas Raiders, essentially confirming an NFL Network report that tests showed no major damage and it’s basically a case of pain tolerance.
“If Tua can go, he’s going to go,” Flores said.
Flores couched it by saying Tagovailoa continues to be “in a good deal of pain,” which coaches must monitor.
“Protect the player from himself,” Flores said.
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Had Flores left it up to Tagovailoa, the quarterback would have returned to Sunday’s 35-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Tagovailoa was knocked out of the game on a hit by end A.J. Epenesa on Miami’s second series.
Flores also shared positive updates on three other players, including receiver Will Fuller, who missed the Buffalo game while dealing with a personal matter.
“Will was here today and we expect him here this week as well,” Flores said.
The Bills game would have marked Fuller's Dolphins debut.
Right tackle Jesse Davis (knee) and receiver Jakeem Grant (ankle) were injured against the Bills, but Flores said he expects them to practice Wednesday.
The biggest concern, of course, was over Tagovailoa’s ribs. In addition to being a target for pass rushers, sore ribs can affect a quarterback’s throwing motion. Dan Marino has worn a flak jacket to protect his ribs, including during the 1989 season. It shouldn’t be surprising if Tagovailoa has extra protection if he faces the Raiders.
“To be honest, I don’t have a lot of familiarity with flak jackets,” Flores said. “I think sometimes it’s personal preference for some guys who have dealt with some — let’s call it rib-type of injuries. Some guys just like to wear them for an extra layer of protection. I think that’s definitely something that we would look into.”
Provided doctors don’t raise red flags, Tagovailoa’s availability could come down to how much it hurts.
“He’s a very tough kid,” Flores said. “I mean, just coming back from the hip. I think he got a thumb last year he played through. He tried to go yesterday. Toughness isn’t something that I would question with him.”
Jacoby Brissett relieved Tagovailoa but was under pressure as well all day, getting sacked four times and intercepted once.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tua Tagovailoa injury: Dolphins QB could return to action vs. Raiders
