The Dolphins produced another underwhelming offensive output on Monday while trying to find a temporary replacement under center for Tua Tagovailoa. A return target for the team’s franchise passer appears to be in place, though. 
Tagovailoa continues to sit out while on injured reserve. Miami moved him to IR shortly after the Week 2 concussion which sidelined him from the contest and led to renewed questions about his playing future. The 26-year-old does not intend to retire, and his attention has remained focused on recovering in full to avoid any setbacks during the 2024 season. The Dolphins have one more game until their bye week, and Tagovailoa could be in the fold shortly after that point.
The 2023 Pro Bowler has a “real possibility” of returning in time for Week 8, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday night (h/t Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). The Dolphins have a matchup against the Patriots in Week 5 before their bye and then a contest against the Colts. Week 8 will see Miami take on Arizona in a matchup which will no doubt be critical to the team’s efforts to make a postseason run. Neither Skylar Thompson nor Tyler Huntley have managed to lead the Dolphins to a strong offensive showing in their respective starts.
Tagovailoa’s return is therefore highly anticipated. The Alabama product has made progress in his recovery, and the team has remained confident he will be back in the fold at some point in 2024. Huntley was signed off the Ravens’ practice squad, but no other QB moves are being considered. Tagovailoa’s IR stint guaranteed at least a four-week absence, a recovery timeline necessary for his brain to heal in full (as opposed to simply a lack of concussion symptoms showing), as Jackson details.
Tagovailoa has suffered at least four concussions in the last five years – one of which dates back to his college tenure – so a cautious approach on the team’s part would come as no surprise. With the Dolphins sitting at 1-3 on the year, though, having the former No. 5 pick back in the fold would be a welcomed sight as they attempt to rebound on offense. Miami ranks last in the NFL in scoring and 24th in total yardage after lopsided losses to the Seahawks and Titans with Thompson and Huntley under center.
Miami also has Tim Boyle as a stopgap option at the quarterback spot, but either Thompson (if healthy) or Huntley will likely get the nod for the team’s next two games. After that, it will be interesting to see if Tagovailoa is activated.