Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will play in an NFL game for the first time since last Christmas Day on Sunday. The Dolphins will play the Los Angeles Chargers in a fascinating matchup between two of the league’s best young quarterbacks. Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert, linked through the same draft class and other layers, will face each other on the field, and it should be a hoot.
Tagovailoa’s health and durability have been hampering him throughout his pro career. He’s played 10, 13, and 13 games in the last three seasons and started nine, 12, and 13. It sounds like Tua really wants to get out there and play all 17 games. After a reporter asked him if he wanted to play all 17 games, Tua sent a clear message to the Dolphins and everyone else on how he felt.
“Oh, I wouldn’t like to, I would love to do that,” Tagovailoa said. “Oh my gosh. I would love to do that.”
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa said he wouldn’t like to play 17 games in 2023. He’d “love to.” pic.twitter.com/l1Kgp6RSBt
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) September 6, 2023
Tagovailoa said that you can’t take anything for granted, and he certainly should know that. Tua has dealt with major injury issues dating back to college. A hip injury brought his football career to a standstill prior to the 2020 NFL Draft. The Dolphins picked him anyway and Tua made his arrival later that season, albeit late in the game.
Tagovailoa dealt with major concussion issues last season, though, and, as a result, concerns over his long-term health were raised significantly. It seems as though he’s good to go through now and that he’s ready to embrace the challenge. The Dolphins are expected to do big things this season, and Tua Tagovailoa will be a major reason why if he’s healthy.
