Nick Saban Made His Feelings on Tua Tagovailoa's Return Abundantly Clear

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban made his weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee show on Friday and was asked about Tua Tagovailoa, his former quarterback, who is set to return to the field on Sunday.

Tagovailoa suffered the third concussion of his NFL career earlier this year. After questions about whether he would decide to retire, he was medically cleared and will return for the Miami Dolphins' Week 8 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

"I'm concerned that I want Tua to be safe and healthy and not have a football career that's going to impact him down the road, number one," Saban said. "This is a medical decision, not an organizational decision... He has to make a decision - is the risk-reward from a medical standpoint worth it to you?"

"I've talked to him, and I know he wants to play. I know what kind of competitor he is," Saban continued. "I'm happy for him that he's having the opportunity to play, but I also pray for him that he doesn't have any issues."

"Every time he got hurt at Bama, there wasn't a play to be made, and he tried to make a play," Saban said. "There's a time when you have to know to have to give up on the play... I admire his grit. I admire his toughness. But you also have to know when, 'Hey, I need to slide. I don't need to take a hit so that I can continue to be able to play and be healthy and not put myself at risk."

The Dolphins host the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon, and Alabama faithful will be rooting for Tagovailoa to have a healthy, successful start in his first game back.

Related: Miami Dolphins Make Announcement on Status of Former Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa