Jan 9, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) reacts after running with the football for a first down against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins have received some welcome news ahead of their Week 8 game.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Friday that Tua Tagovailoa has cleared concussion protocol and will start in Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Dolphins confirmed that Tagovailoa was cleared by an independent neurologist and said the quarterback consulted with several experts and doctors, not one of whom recommended that Tagovailoa retire.

Tagovailoa suffered his most recent concussion on what looked like a routine tackle in Week 2. That was at least the third concussion of his NFL career. He also suffered at least one in college at Alabama. Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve following his concussion this season and had his practice window opened this week.

Though many prominent members of the NFL community urged him to retire, Tagovailoa says that was never a consideration. The former Alabama star told reporters this week that he has been symptom-free since the day after he suffered his Week 2 concussion. Tua had some very strong comments about why he has chosen to continue playing.

The Dolphins have been abysmal on offense since Tagovailoa went down, which is the primary reason for their 2-4 record. If Tua returns to form quickly, Miami will have a good chance of turning their season around.

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