Dolphins quarterbacks out of concussion protocol

Dolphins quarterbacks out of concussion protocol

After finishing their previous game with one quarterback able to play, the Miami Dolphins can pick from three quarterbacks for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

After missing one game, No. 1 QB Tua Tagovailoa cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol on Saturday, and so did his backup, Teddy Bridgewater, who left Miami’s previous contest after taking only one snap, NFL Network and ESPN reported.

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But Miami coach Mike McDaniel already addressed the Dolphins’ plans if the quarterbacks received medical clearance to play again before Sunday: Rookie Skylar Thompson will start against the Vikings, Bridgewater will serve as his backup and Tagovailoa will not play.

Thompson practiced fully throughout the week. Tagovailoa practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday before returning to full participation on Friday. Bridgewater did not practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and practiced fully on Friday.

Tagovailoa sustained a concussion on a sack in a 27-15 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 29. The injury stopped play for almost 10 minutes as medical personnel attended the former Alabama All-American, who left the turf at Paycor Stadium on a stretcher and was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

To be released from the return-to-play plan for players who have sustained concussions, Tagovailoa had to complete the fifth step of the process — engage in full football activity — without setbacks, then receive clearance from the club physician after being examined by the independent neurological consultant assigned to the team.

Leaving the concussion program clears the way for Tagovailoa to return to the Miami lineup on Oct. 23, when the Dolphins play the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Week 7 Sunday night game.

In his third NFL season, Tagovailoa has completed 80-of-115 passes for 1,035 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. His 109.9 passing-efficiency rating ranks second in the AFC behind the 110.5 of Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.

Miami won its first three games of the 2022 season, but the Dolphins followed the loss to Cincinnati with a 40-17 setback against the Jets.

Miami and Minnesota will square off at noon CDT Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.