The Miami Dolphins has activated quarterback Tua Tagovailoa off the injury report and confirmed that he will start against the Arizona Cardinals this weekend.

Tagovailoa has not played since suffering a concussion in week two of the NFL season, going into the fencing response for the second time in three years after being hit in the head before being ruled out for several weeks. It is the fourth time that Tagovailoa has had a concussion in the NFL, with concerns arising about his well-being – with doctors telling him to retire from the sport.

The quarterback has previously admitted after previous cases of concussions saw him mull over retirement but stated recently that he understands the risks and will continue to play.

This year, the NFL introduced Guardian Caps and soft-cover pads designed to be worn over the exterior of NFL helmets for extra protection against such head injuries.

Despite the concern for Tagovailoa’s health when he’s done playing football, McDaniel reiterated that the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement states that an organization can not force a player to wear protective equipment – with the player choosing not to wear one in his upcoming games.

When asked whether he will wear one, he quickly said: “Nope… Personal choice.” He added: “I appreciate your concern, I really do. I love this game, and I love it to the death of me. That’s it.”

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on the decision to bring Tagovailoa back: “Every concussion is unique. That’s why we rely upon people who study the brain for a living. That was the driving force.”

Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa has been sidelined after sustaining the third concussion of his career against Buffalo Bills

Tagovailoa will suit up on Sunday ( 

Image:

Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Tagovailoa was forced to miss at least four games after being placed on the injury report list – with many hoping to see him to stya on the sidelines for an extended period in order for him to recover from his injuries.

Fans had even hoped that the league intervene, and force the quarterback to remain away from the game for the rest of the season. However, NFL chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, stated why the league will not have a stance on whether the quarterback returns to play or not.

In terms of the league’s stance on the issue, he insisted: “Patient autonomy and medical decision-making really matters and I think that’s what we have to recognize goes on with our concussion protocol as well. Ultimately when patients make decisions about considering their careers, it has to reflect that autonomy that’s generated from discussions with medical experts giving them best medical advice.”