Tua clears concussion protocol, to play vs. Cards

MIAMI GARDENS -- Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has cleared concussion protocol and will play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, coach Mike McDaniel said Friday.

Tagovailoa has been in concussion protocol since Sept. 12 after suffering the third concussion of his career during a loss to the Buffalo Bills. He was placed on injured reserve five days later and missed the team's next four games.

The league's leading passer from a season ago was cleared to return to practice this week, in accordance with NFL policy, and officially cleared protocol after practicing in full Thursday.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Tagovailoa said he'd been symptom-free since Sept. 13, but he understood the team's decision to place him on IR and "protect me from myself." He consulted with "several top medical experts across the country" over the past month and "zero" of them, McDaniel said, recommended retirement.

Tagovailoa's decision to return was a decision he made with his doctors and family, and he did not consider retirement.

The Dolphins lost three of their four games without Tagovailoa this season and are currently in second place in the AFC East with a 2-4 record. Their offense ranks dead last in scoring through six games, although Dolphins players are optimistic that will change upon Tagovailoa's return.

"It makes a lot of difference. Tua -- him and Mike, they've got this real special connection," wide receiver Tyreek Hill said. "He allows Tua to be Tua. Tua has a connection with all the guys, all of us spend a lot of time with Tua so the connection is there. Then when you bring that all on the field, it magnifies everything that we do -- throws are on time, playcalling, the operation is faster. He just does a great job of commanding this offense."

McDaniel also confirmed safety Jevon Holland and linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah will play Sunday after one-game injury absences. Cornerback Kader Kohou and defensive tackle Zach Sieler will not play, leaving the Dolphins without two defensive starters.