Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa clears concussion protocol to play against Cardinals

MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has cleared concussion protocol and will play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, coach Mike McDaniel said Friday.

Tagovailoa has been in concussion protocol since Sept. 12 after suffering the third concussion of his career during a loss to the Buffalo Bills. He was placed on injured reserve five days later and missed the team’s next four games.

The league’s leading passer from a season ago was cleared to return to practice this week, per NFL policy, and officially approved protocol after practicing in full Thursday.

Tagovailoa, speaking to reporters Monday, said he had been symptom-free since Sept. 13, but he understood the team’s decision to place him on IR and “protect myself from myself.” He consulted with “several top medical experts across the country” over the past month, and “zero” of them, McDaniel said, recommended retirement.

Tagovailoa’s decision to return was one he made with his doctors and family, and he was not considering retirement.

The Dolphins lost three of their four games without Tagovailoa this season and are currently in second place in the AFC East with a 2-4 record. Their offense ranks dead last in scoring through six games, though Dolphins players are optimistic that will change when Tagovailoa returns.

“It makes a big difference. Tua — him and Mike, they have this real special connection,” wide receiver Tyreek Hill said. “He allows Tua to be Tua. Tua has a connection with all the guys, we all spend a lot of time with Tua, so the connection is there. Then when you bring it all on the field, it magnifies everything we do – – throw is on time, playcalling, the operation is faster.

McDaniel also confirmed safety Jevon Holland and linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah will play Sunday after one-game injury absences. Cornerback Kader Kohou and defensive tackle Zach Sieler are out, leaving the Dolphins without two defensive starters.