Dolphins’ McDaniel talks IR decision on Tua; updates on Mostert, Armstead
By David Furones, South Florida Sun-Sentinel,
2024-09-18
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel walks past quarterbacks, from right; Tyler Huntley (18), Skylar Thompson (19), and Tim Boyle (14) as they stretch during practice at Baptist Health Miami Dolphins training complex in Miami Gardens on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/TNS
“You have to weigh the information that you have on that day at that moment and weigh all of the different variables,” said McDaniel, in a decision he worked on with general manager Chris Grier. “In the process, like every other player on this team, we do what we feel is best with the information and collaboration with medical experts. We do the very best for the organization that we can.”
McDaniel, while previously saying on Monday he needed more information on Tagovailoa’s standing to make a determination, called it an “accumulation of different information” on Wednesday in making the decision.
One benefit to the IR decision, which sidelines him for four games at minimum, is that Tagovailoa is afforded the time to recover from the concussion suffered last Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills without any pressure to return within one of the weeks that IR puts him out.
“The great thing about IR is, for a month’s time, there’s no timeline,” McDaniel said.
The Dolphins coach would not address what phases of the five-stage concussion protocol Tagovailoa is in, but he did offer that he’s been active with teammates and around the facility.
McDaniel, while indicating Tagovailoa is eager to return to action, said he didn’t necessarily fight the organization on the decision.
“I don’t think he’s, for a second, second-guessing or understating the weight of whatever,” McDaniel said.
“As a competitor, obviously he loves and wants to play, but understanding how this is a process of health and you take that process with — I’ve learned a lot about various things in the science field and medical field as a head coach and, being in this game for a while, you do everything to make sure that people, your responsibility to them is that you provide an environment that is absolutely best catered to maximizing them as human beings and football players.”
Although Tagovailoa is set to miss the Dolphins’ next four games, it’s not out of the question that he travels to Seattle to watch his teammates from the sideline at Lumen Field.
Mostert, Armstead progress
McDaniel had positive updates on running back Raheem Mostert and left tackle Terron Armstead on Wednesday.
Mostert was seen in a return to practice Wednesday.
“Raheem is progressing each day,” McDaniel said, after the veteran running back missed the loss to the Bills with a chest injury suffered the previous week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
McDaniel called him a “true warrior” that will be seeing an uptick in drills to see how he responds.
On Armstead, who is dealing with an ailing shoulder from the Buffalo game, McDaniel said: “He’s good. He’s our captain for a reason. He just galvanizes people with his presence.
“He’s been playing at a high level for anybody’s standards and he can taste the next level as he’s strung together more practices.”
Armstead, though, was not spotted at Wednesday drills, but he often takes veteran rest anyway to open a practice week.
Like Mostert, also returning to practice Wednesday was rookie wide receiver Malik Washington, who missed the first two games with a quadriceps injury.
Left guard Robert Jones (shoulder) and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (oblique) were seen participating in practice during a media viewing portion.
Chosen speaks out
Former Dolphins wide receiver Robbie Chosen posted some deep thoughts on X Wednesday after his Tuesday release from Miami’s practice squad.
“The reality is what’s taken place these last two years have been adversity and not to my hopes or expectations,” Chosen said. “It doesn’t reflect my potential or capabilities and doesn’t have anything to do with my talent or me as a person.
“The reality is this business and game can deal you cards at times and you either play them or walk away. I wasn’t raised or ever taught to quit.”
Huntley is making a homecoming as a Hallandale High alum. …
— Bills running back James Cook, a Miami Central High grad, was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after he scored three total touchdowns against the Dolphins, with 78 yards rushing and a 17-yard receiving score. …
— Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer appeared to hurt cornerback Nik Needham, a longtime active roster member who’s now on the practice squad, with a punch to the gut during a fumble drill. Needham needed several minutes to gather himself.
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (19) runs a drill during practice at Baptist Health Miami Dolphins training complex in Miami Gardens on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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