Miami is set to face the Bengals on ‘Thursday Night Football,’ giving the quarterback just four days to prepare.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said he is “doing everything” he can to play the Thursday Night Football game against the Bengals after questions regarding his availability loomed.
Following a scary scene against the Bills on Sunday where Tagovailoa stumbled while getting up after a second-quarter hit, both the Miami quarterback and coach Mike McDaniel reaffirmed Tuesday they are working to get the quarterback ready for the contest.
“I’m doing everything I can to get out there and play,” Tagovailoa said, via Miami Herald. “I’m getting treatment, doing everything I can to get as close to 100 percent as possible.”
Tagovailoa was hit by Bills linebacker Matt Milano late in the second quarter and was seen stumbling after the play. He left the game and cleared concussion protocol, eventually returning to lead Miami to a 21–19 win over Buffalo. After the game, the quarterback addressed the concussion protocol and told reporters his back “locked up” after the hit, causing him to stumble.
“I kinda hit my back and kind of hurt it then I got up and that’s kind of like when I stumbled. My back kinda locked up on me,” he said Sunday, per Daniel Oyefusi of the Miami Herald. “But for the most part, I’m good, passed whatever concussion protocol they had.”
The NFLPA is reportedly investigating the Dolphins’ handling of Tagovailoa’s concussion protocol, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
On Tuesday, the signal-caller reiterated his back is still a concern, though he also has ankle soreness. McDaniel said the quarterback is still questionable for the Week 4 matchup, but he spoke with Tagovailoa on Monday night and feels more positive about his chances of starting Thursday.
“I can tell in his voice he will literally do everything he can and in his power [to play],” McDaniel said. “I’ll know if he doesn’t play, it literally was not possible. Happy with how he has progressed and feel very optimistic because of the way [he has worked this week].”
McDaniel said he plans to announce Tagovailoa’s status on Wednesday or Thursday morning at the latest.
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For more Miami Dolphins coverage, go to All Dolphins.
