Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa must play through an injury to his throwing hand for the second straight season.
Tagovailoa, who missed a month with broken ribs earlier this season, had his practice participation limited all week as his throwing was kept to a minimum because a finger injury. It’s unknown which finger on his left hand is injured.
Friday’s session was his most extensive practice of the week, but he’s expected to be listed as questionable for Sunday’s 1 p.m. home game against the Houston Texans.
“He banged it in the [Buffalo] game and obviously he was able to finish the game. There is some swelling. He’s a little sore,” Flores said. “We’re just going to monitor it over the next couple of days.
“It’s on the throwing hand so there is some discomfort,” Flores added. “It’s affecting him a little bit. He’s a tough kid. He’s worked through some discomfort before.”
Tagovailoa played the final month of his rookie season with a thumb injury, which forced him to miss only one game. But the thumb injury impacted the velocity of his throws. There is concern that his latest injury could also impact his velocity.
If Tagovailoa’s injury impacts his throwing ability, the Dolphins could start Jacoby Brissett, who completed 65.4% of his passes for 993 yards and threw for four touchdowns and two interceptions as Tagovailoa’s replacement earlier this season.
Tagovailoa was not seen with any type of protective device on his left hand during a brief media viewing portion the past two days, but the Dolphins were restrictive about what they showed during the media’s availability.
Tagovailoa, who is completing 65% of his passes while throwing for 1,040 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions, has played three games since his return.
On Wednesday, Tagovailoa said he feels “good” as he plays with extra padding on the ribs.
“Obviously, some nicks and bruises after games, but other than that, it’s good,” Tagovailoa said.
Tight end Mike Gesicki indicated on Thursday that Tagovailoa has thrown the ball well in practice this week. Tight end Durham Smythe said he admires the focus he has shown this season, which has been filled with turmoil, disappointment and drama.
“Tua has the ability to put blinders on. Not everyone does in this league,” Smythe said. “With the situation he’s been in with the [Deshaun Watson] rumors, and things like that, it’s been cool to see how he’s handled the situation. I’ve gained some respect for him. He hasn’t changed at all. He’s been the same guy, day in and day out, regardless of what is being said, injury, whatever.”
Jerome Baker working his way back
The Dolphins might play a second game without starting inside linebacker Jerome Baker, who missed last week’s Buffalo loss because of the knee injury he suffered against the Falcons.
For the second straight week, Baker, who leads the Dolphins with 43 tackles, participated in practice all week on a limited basis.
But Flores insinuated Baker’s status will come down to a game-time decision.
Duke Riley replaced Baker last week as the team’s starting inside linebacker and had five tackles.
Flores also acknowledged that Austin Reiter started over Greg Mancz at center last week because Mancz was still recovering from a groin injury. Mancz was a full participant in practice this week and Flores said the winner of an open competition will determine which center starts against the Texans.
Reiter, who the Dolphins claimed off the Saints’ practice squad, has started the past two games. Mancz, who Miami traded for in August, started the previous two games as Michael Deiter’s replacement after the third-year lineman suffered a foot injury and was placed on injured reserve.
