The Miami Dolphins reportedly will have three key players in the lineup for Thursday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and offensive tackle Terron Armstead all should be good to play in Week 4. Tagovailoa, who is dealing with back and ankle issues, is listed as questionable for the matchup.
#Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa — listed as questionable with back and ankle issues — is expected to play tonight against the #Bengals, barring a setback, per sources.
WR Jaylen Waddle (groin) and LT Terron Armstead (toe) should be good to go, too.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 29, 2022
Tagovailoa briefly left the Dolphins’ Week 3 win over the Buffalo Bills with the back injury, but he returned to the game to lead Miami to a 21-19 victory. Tagovailoa finished the day with 186 yards passing and one passing touchdown, completing 13 of his 18 passes.
Following the Week 3 win, Tagovailoa explained how his back “locked” up on him, but it appears that the issue won’t be enough to keep him out of this game.
Tua Tagovailoa explains from his perspective what happened on play where he was wobbly trying to leave the field: pic.twitter.com/wm0Ft9dv8d
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 25, 2022
“Kind of get my legs caught under someone,” Tagovailoa said. “They were trying to push back, and it kind of felt like I hyperextended my back or something.
“And then on the next play, I kind of hit my back and kind of hurt it. Then I got up and that’s why I stumbled. My back kind of locked up on me. But for the most part, I’m good. Passed whatever concussion protocol they had, so I’m good.”
Waddle and Armstead are both important pieces of Miami’s offense, as Armstead is the team’s anchor on the offensive line. Waddle, who is in his second NFL season, already has three touchdown catches and 19 receptions for 342 yards in the first three games of the 2022 campaign.
The Dolphins need all hands on deck on Thursday, as the Bengals are not an easy opponent. The team went to the Super Bowl in the 2021 season, and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has quickly become one of the best passers in the game.
While Miami is currently sitting at 3-0 and atop the AFC standings, it would be at a major disadvantage if any of these three players were to sit out in Week 4.
The Bengals are currently 1-2 on the season, but they are coming off a win against the New York Jets in Week 3. The Dolphins and Bengals both have playoff aspirations and more for the 2022 season.
