How concerned should the Miami Dolphins be about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who this week missed his first practice reps due to injury all season?
Tagovailoa popped up on Wednesday’s injury report with two ailments: To his quadriceps and to his left thumb.
The latter is certainly the higher concern, given that Tua throws with his left hand.
Miami Dolphins Practice Report
Tua has been the picture of health after injuries forced him to miss games in each of his first three seasons.
But he got banged up Sunday against the Cowboys, despite taking just one sack and five quarterback hits in 65 snaps.
Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith provided little insight into the cause and severity of Tua’s injuries during his Thursday news conference, but did suggest two things:
- That Tagovailoa hurt his thumb on a throw
- And that the injury probably isn’t super serious
“It’s the last week of December,” Smith told reporters. “I got a papercut in my hand too that I’m working through. … I’m trying to push through.”
Offensive coordinator Frank Smith deftly deflects questions about Tua and his ailments pic.twitter.com/hyIdhGbyeV
— Chris Perkins (@chrisperk) December 28, 2023
Smith also said:
“Everyone’s working through stuff. Ultimately, as we’re going through each day this week, we’re making sure that we’re getting ourselves ready to play on Sunday.
“The big thing is, today’s focusing on getting better today. Ultimately, as Tua and all the guys work through it, we’re just making sure we’re focusing on one day at a time, getting ready for Baltimore.”
Tagovailoa is having a career year in 2023 because he’s having his healthiest year. He’s started all 15 games this season — his longest consecutive starts streak as a pro.
Tagovailoa’s 4,214 passing yards not only lead the league but are the most in his four-year NFL career.
Tagovailoa is one of a bunch of banged-up key offensive players for Miami. Five skill position players are on the injury report this week, including their top two receivers (Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle) and their top two rushers (Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane).
MORE: Why Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Is Guarding Against ‘Chasing Ghosts’
UPDATED (1 p.m.): Tagovailoa participated in Thursday’s practice without any brace or sleeve on his left hand, per the Sun-Sentinel.
Also, Hill and Achane were back at practice Thursday, as was offensive tackle Terron Armstead, who also missed Wednesday’s session.
Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert, meanwhile, were still missing.
Miami Dolphins vs. Baltimore Ravens Injury Report
Dolphins
Did Not Practice
- RB Raheem Mostert (knee/ankle)
- WR Jaylen Waddle (ankle)
Limited
- RB De’Von Achane (toe)
- OT Terron Armstead (ankle/knee/back)
- WR Robbie Chosen (concussion)
- WR Tyreek Hill (ankle/vet rest)
- OL Robert Hunt (hamstring)
- OL Liam Eichenberg (calf/ankle)
- S Jevon Holland (knees)
- CB Xavien Howard (hip/thumb)
- OL Austin Jackson (oblique)
- QB Tua Tagovailoa (left thumb/quad)
- LB Andrew Van Ginkel (wrist)
- OL Lester Cotton (hip)
Full
None
Ravens
Did Not Practice
- CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (concussion)
- LB Del’Shawn Phillips (shoulder)
- CB Brandon Stephens (ankle)
- WR Zay Flowers (calf)
Limited
- G Kevin Zeitner (knee/quad)
- S Kyle Hamilton (knee)
- CB Arthur Maulet (knee)
- OL Patrick Mekari (concussion)
- P Jordan Stout (back)
Full
- LB Patrick Queen (shoulder)
- LB Roquan Smith (pec)
- DE Broderick Washington (elbow)
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