The Miami Dolphins are reportedly planning to start injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa against a fierce Baltimore Ravens defense on Sunday.
The Dolphins listed Tua as a surprise name on the injury report on Wednesday. Head coach Mike McDaniel said nothing about Tua’s injury between their win over the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve and the release of the injury report.
Tua is dealing with a thumb injury on his throwing hand (left). He’s also battling a quad injury and has been limited in practice because of the injuries. Video surfaced on social media of Tua limping at practice this week due to the quad injury.
The Miami Dolphins will start Tua
According to Marcel Louis-Jacques, McDaniel said Tua would start against the Ravens. McDaniel didn’t know Tua suffered a hand injury until Monday. Tua injured his thumb by hitting it against a Cowboys defender’s helmet.
Mike McDaniel said Tua hit his thumb on an opponent’s helmet in the first quarter of the Cowboys game and played through it without mentioning his discomfort.
His status is unquestioned for Sunday — he’s playing
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) December 29, 2023
Tua’s thumb injury doesn’t seem as significant against the Ravens as the quad injury will be. FinsXtra posted a video of Tua throwing at practice Thursday with no restrictions.
🎥 Despite being on the injury report with a finger/quad injury, Tua Tagovailoa was seen in practice today throwing with no restrictions or protective wear on the finger (@DavidFurones_) #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/P4xhSTcmZs
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 28, 2023
The quad injury is a much more severe issue for Sunday because it will limit Tua’s mobility. The Ravens lead the NFL in sacks this season with 54 sacks (3.6 per game). The Dolphins have made protecting Tua a point of emphasis this season, but there’s only so much they can do if he’s limping.
The Dolphins don’t have much choice but to play Tua if they want any shot at home-field advantage in the playoffs. Backup quarterback Mike White won’t get the job done.
Due to a high-ankle sprain, the Dolphins will already be without star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Tyreek Hill is still battling an ankle injury.
Will an injured Tua be effective enough to get a win over the Ravens with a shorthanded offense?
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