Tua Tagovailoa will return to practice, eye Week 8 start: ‘I love (football) to the death of me’

Tua Tagovailoa will return to practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday, and if all goes well he’s in line start their Week 8 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Head coach Mike McDaniel told the media Monday that medical experts have deemed it safe for Tagovailoa to play, which is the sole reason he’s returning now. Tagovailoa has yet to decide whether he’ll wear the extra-protective guardian cap over his helmet when he plays.

Tagovailoa suffered his third concussion in two years in the Dolphins’ Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. His latest brain injury prompted renewed calls for him to consider retiring to protect his health. But after consulting with independent neurologists, he has no intention of retiring.

By continuing to play, Tagovailoa runs the risk of sustaining another serious concussion. He’s fully aware of that, and he’s made his peace with it.

Tagovailoa also likened the risks he takes continuing to play football with everyday life:

Without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins offense has been struggling, going 0-3 since the 26-year-old quarterback was injured. Tyler Huntley, whom the Dolphins acquired after placing Tagovailoa on injured reserve, has struggled in his past two games, throwing for 290 yards, no touchdowns and an interception.

The Dolphins’ offense as a whole has been challenged since Tagovailoa exited the lineup. Miami has averaged only 10 points per game since Week 2 and their top two wide receivers — Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle — have not eclipsed 70 receiving yards since both recorded over 100 yards in Week 1.

In Week 7, the team came back from their bye week only to lose to the Indianapolis Colts 16-10 in another offensive struggle session. There’s no question about it: the time is right for Tua’s return.