Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa missed last week’s game against the Cleveland Browns with a hip injury and is expected to be sidelined again on Sunday against the New York Jets.
However, according to the quarterback himself, if the Dolphins reach the playoffs, he fully intends on suiting up.
Tua Tagovailoa says if cards fall in Dolphins favor he plans to play in playoffs “no ifs, ands or buts about it.”
Tua felt he could have played last week but wasn’t medically cleared.
“Hell yeah I’m frustrated,” with injury limiting him in safety to play.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 3, 2025
The Dolphins are facing a tricky path as they try to reach the playoffs for a third consecutive season. They’ll need two things to go their way on Sunday in order for them to sneak in.
For one, they’ll need to handle business on the road against the Jets with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley likely to start.
Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 miles away, the Dolphins will need the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Denver Broncos on the road. The problem there is that the Chiefs plan to rest key players since they’ve already secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC. As a result, the Broncos are heavy favorites.
Still, the Dolphins have a pulse. When they were 2-6 earlier this season, the idea of them having a shot at a playoff bid in Week 18 seemed unlikely, so there has to be some excitement that they’re even in this position. Now, they need the chips to fall in their favor so that they can hopefully extend their season.
At 8-8, Miami has won six of its last eight games. Huntley helped the team get its last win by putting together his best performance of the season. He completed 22 of his 26 passes for 225 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 52 yards and a score. If he can put together another strong showing in Week 18, he may be able to help the Dolphins clinch a winning season.
As for Tagovailoa, it’s clear that he’s itching to get back on the field. A report last week described him as “more banged up than people realize.” Hopefully, if the Dolphins do reach the playoffs, he’ll be able to take the field and give them a shot to finally earn a postseason victory.
Tagovailoa has been limited to 11 games this season after he managed to be available for all 17 games in the 2023 regular season.
