Tua Tagovailoa is set to miss his second consecutive game due to a right hip injury, as the Miami Dolphins prepares to face off against the New York Jets this Sunday.
In his absence, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is expected to take the lead once again after leading Miami to a 20-3 win against the Cleveland Browns last time out. “It looks like the way I approached the week was probably smart,” admitted Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. “I see it as unlikely that Tua will see any action.”
On Friday, Tagovailoa expressed his frustration at being unable to play in the crucial regular-season finale, revealing he had hoped to play last week but was advised by doctors to allow more time for his injury to heal But he remained optimistic about his return.
“If the cards play out the way they should, and the way we know and think they can, Im going to be available next week,” Tagovailoa said. “Theres no if ands or buts. Ill be playing. Thats for sure.”
The Dolphins are still vying for the final AFC wild-card spot and need a win on Sunday, coupled with a Denver Broncos loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, to secure a playoff berth. “Its tough,” Tagovailoa said. “Its tough for any competitor to have to sit out when the seasons on the line and you know you can do more. But that just tells you how much trust and respect we have for Snoop (Huntley).”
Huntley showcased his skills against Cleveland, completing 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards with one passing touchdown and one rushing. McDaniel noted that there has been progress from where Tagovailoa was with the injury last week, when it hadn’t healed as quickly as the team hoped. He confirmed that Tagovailoa was not medically cleared to play, and it was “not safe” for him to take the field.
When asked about the risk of further damage if he were to play, Tagovailoa responded: “I dont know if anything could be worse than what it is right now. But, I dont know. This is just what the doctors are telling me is right for myself, and things of that nature. But I want to be out there. Thats for sure. But its just a risk for myself to be out there.”
McDaniel said that Tagovailoa’s injury is more difficult to measure than something like a bruise, but he clarified that the star’s bone is intact. He added: “A bruise would be like pain tolerance, and thats something that I think Tua wishes it was just a pain issue.
“Its quite literally being able to have the strength to do what we ask him to do, as well as protecting himself from a very serious injury if we dont treat it appropriately. I wouldnt say it was a bruise, but its kind of a unique muscle issue.”
McDaniel also stated that surgery wouldn’t be the solution to Tagovailoa’s issue. The player had previously undergone hip surgery in 2019 while at Alabama college, following a right hip dislocation that prematurely ended his season.
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