Report: Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to pass major hurdle in concussion recovery

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa reportedly will make a major step in his recovery from the concussion he suffered in Week 4 of the NFL season against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will return to the field and throw on Wednesday as part of his progression through concussion protocol, per sources,” NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport wrote.

It’s a huge step forward for Tagovailoa, who suffered a scary injury in the Thursday Night Football game against Cincinnati.

After taking a sack in that game, Tagovailoa was noticeably hurt. He appeared unable to move after having his head slammed into the ground.

The Dolphins quarterback still remains in the league’s concussion protocol ahead of the Dolphins’ game against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6.

“Tagovailoa remains in concussion protocol as a result of the injury he suffered Sept. 29 and could be cleared from protocol before Sunday’s game against the Vikings, though he’s highly unlikely to play since he is just now returning to practice and meetings,” Pelissero and Rapoport wrote. “But sources say he has made great strides in recent days and is headed in the right direction toward an eventual return to play.”

The Dolphins have a tough matchup with Minnesota in Week 6. The Vikings come into this game at 4-1, with their lone loss coming to the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles.

The Dolphins are currently banged up at the quarterback position, as backup Teddy Bridgewater missed most of the team’s Week 5 loss to the New York Jets after also being placed in concussion protocol. That left the Dolphins to play seventh-round rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson in Week 5.

After starting the season 3-0, the Dolphins have now lost back-to-back games and have fallen behind the Jets in the AFC East division standings since they lost to them in a head-to-head matchup.

The Dolphins are clearly prioritizing Tagovailoa’s health, and rightfully so after the injury. That fact may lead to more time with him on the sidelines.

“Since the injury, Tagovailoa has consulted with four independent specialists, including the top sports concussion neurologist and the top neuropsychologist,” Pelissero and Rapoport wrote.

Tagovailoa has played well for the Dolphins this season, completing 69.6 percent of his passes for 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns. The Dolphins are certainly a better team with the former No. 5 overall pick under center, but it’s important that Tagovailoa is fully past his concussion before considering a return to the field.