Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is designated to return from injured reserve, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

However, Tagovailoa still needs to go through the concussion protocol, which would then allow him to play in Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe noted that McDaniel said medical experts believe it is “certain” Tagovailoa will be able to play again since Sunday's game will be six weeks after his concussion. McDaniel added that he will leave the decision on whether he will wear a protective cap on his helmet to the signal caller when he returns.

Tagovailoa spoke to reporters about the situation on Monday:

Tagovailoa has been out since then Week 2 after suffering a concussion following a collision with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. The Dolphins then placed him on injured reserve, meaning Tagovailoa would miss at least the next four games. It was the third diagnosed concussion of Tagovailoa's career after suffering two during the 2022 season.

However, there was good news on Sunday, October 20: Tagovailoa is expected to return to practice and plans to play against the Arizona Cardinals the following week (October 27), according to Schefter.

Of course, that would be a welcome sight for the Dolphins, who struggled mightily without Tagovailoa, falling to last in the NFL with 11.7 points per game.

Last season, the left-hander completed 69.3 percent of his passes for an NFL-high 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns (14 interceptions). He made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. Miami ranked second in the NFL in scoring.

Miami has turned to a combination of Skylar Thompson, Tyler Huntley and Tim Boyle to take snaps in Tagovailoa's absence in 2024.

The Dolphins have the players they need to be competitive in wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle and running backs De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. But Miami needs its leader out there to be a competitive team.