Report: Miami Dolphins have ‘degree of optimism’ that Tua Tagovailoa will return for Week 13

Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed the team’s Week 12 win over the New York Jets with a thumb injury.

While the injury isn’t supposed to sideline Tagovailoa for the rest of the year, there has been some uncertainty as to when he will return.

According to the Miami Herald’s Adam H. Beasley, there is a chance that Tagovailoa could return for the team’s Week 13 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

“There’s a degree of optimism internally that Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s thumb injury will be just a one-week absence,” Beasley wrote.

“Tagovailoa, who will regain his starting job once cleared medically, is preparing as if he is going to start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, a source tells the Miami Herald.”

If the rookie is able to return, it would be huge for a Miami team that is looking to make the playoffs in the AFC.

While Ryan Fitzpatrick has performed admirably this season, the Dolphins want to get as long a look at Tagovailoa as they can.

The more the rookie plays, the better Miami can assess its future with Tagovailoa leading the franchise.