Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel shifts tone on Tua Tagovailoa's football future

In the days following Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's Week 2 "Thursday Night Football" concussion against the Buffalo Bills, head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized that he didn't want to be the one who decides on his signal-caller's playing future.

McDaniel told reporters that he thought it was the "utmost priority" of his to have Tagovailoa "speak to his career."

"I think reports are reports. I think as far as I'm concerned I'm just worried about the human being. I think I'll let Tua be the champion of his own career and speak on that," McDaniel said, per NFL.com .

As the Alabama product continues to recover from his third concussion since 2022 and has indicated that he wants to continue playing, McDaniel addressed the matter again on Monday. This time, his tone was slightly different.

McDaniel has made his close relationship with Tagovailoa obvious and has made it clear that the one-time Pro Bowler's health is the most important thing.

His message on Monday represented a shift, however, as it was one of the first times since the most recent concussion that he's not only left the door open for Tagovailoa's return but said that it's likely to happen soon.

While it's still filled with talent like wideouts Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, plus running backs De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, the Dolphins offense is an almost unrecognizable unit without its starter under center.

After shattering records last season and winning this year's opener 20-17, Miami's offense has struggled immensely since Tagovailoa went down.

The Dolphins were routed by 61 points combined across Weeks 2, 3 and 4 against the Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans, respectively. They bounced back with a Week 5 win against the New England Patriots but still weren't exactly an offensive powerhouse, outlasting their division rivals 15-10. Miami had its bye in Week 6.

After Tagovailoa suffered his September concussion vs. Buffalo, Skylar Thompson took over and started against Seattle as well. However, the 2022 seventh-round pick exited against the Seahawks in the third quarter due to a rib injury.

30-year-old former undrafted free agent Tim Boyle went under center for head coach Mike McDaniel's crew following Thompson's departure, and ex-Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley played the last two contests.