Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa limited in practice with thumb injury, hopes to play Sunday against Bengals

Dolphins rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa prepares to practice with a wrap on his left hand and thumb. (WPLG)

DAVIE, Fla. ā€“ Miami Dolphins rookie Tua Tagovailoa is hoping to get back under center this weekend after missing his first game since being named the teamā€™s starting quarterback.

Tua missed last Sundayā€™s win over the New York Jets due to an injury to the thumb on his throwing hand.

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He was on the practice field Wednesday, officially listed as a limited participant according to the teamā€™s injury report.

Speaking to the media after practice, Tagovailoa expressed his desire to play while understanding that its ultimately out of his control.

ā€œIā€™m feeling good,ā€ he said. ā€œAs a competitor, you always want to go out there and you want to be able to play. But (Coach Flores) and our medical staff, I would say they have the best interests for us. I would say they wouldnā€™t put me out there if they felt like it would be harmful for myself. Iā€™m just taking it one day at a time and trusting those guys.ā€

Pressed about how the injury happened, Tagovailoa wouldnā€™t say whether or not he hit his thumb on the helmet of a teammate, only that it happened while making a throw.

ā€œI got my hand dinged up when I tried to make a pass,ā€ he said.

Tagovailoa was working Wednesday with his left hand and thumb wrapped, but he was still able to throw the ball.

Itā€™s obviously an adjustment, but perhaps not one that would keep him from playing this week.

ā€œI had to wrap my hand and just get used to the wrap and whatnot,ā€ Tua said. ā€œOther than that, Iā€™m just trying to get into the rhythm again with some of the guys and continue to learn from (Ryan Fitzpatrick), continue to learn from coaches.ā€

Dolphins rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa participates in practice with a wrap on his left hand and thumb. (WPLG)

Tua is hopeful heā€™ll be back on the field Sunday when Miami hosts the Cincinnati Bengals.

Head Coach Brian Flores was also asked about Tagovailoaā€™s recovery and of course, whether heā€™d be able to play this week.

ā€œTuaā€™s been rehabbing, heā€™s been getting treatment,ā€ Flores said. ā€œHeā€™s working hard to get back in there. Again, I wish I had a crystal ball to tell you heā€™s going to practice fully; but weā€™ve got to get out there and do that before we can say that. Heā€™s doing everything he can, and weā€™ll evaluate it as we go.ā€

If Tua canā€™t go on Sunday, itā€™ll be veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick back in the driverā€™s seat for Miami.

Against the Jets last weekend, Fitzpatrick completed 24-of-39 passes for 257 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Heā€™s won each of his last three starts for the Dolphins, combining to throw for 798 yards and eight touchdowns during the 3-game stretch.


About the Author
David Dwork headshot

David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, David has covered South Florida sports since 2007.

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