The collision course between the Miami Dolphins at Tua Tagovailoa continued yesterday. Tagovailoa, at the NFL Combine, mentioned March 9th as the critical date in his recovery from a dislocated hip — with hopes of a throwing session to come one month later on April 9th. And sure enough, March 9th came and went and the news was delivered that Tagovailoa’s injured hip has been given the green light by his doctors; he’s officially set to start working himself back into football shape.
It’s a pretty stunning recovery for Tua, although we still admittedly need to determine what long-term implications may linger in his effectiveness as a passer. But none the less, the quarterback that has been tied to the Dolphins for over 12 months is on course to survive this injury scare with no hinderance to the start of his professional career.
For the Dolphins, this now returns the pressure to decide whether or not Tagovailoa is the right player to return the Dolphins to their former glory. There’s little question his on the field talent warrants consideration — but can we be sure that he’s durable enough to survive the wear and tear of 16 game seasons?
If Miami makes Tua the pick, they will have clear conviction that the upside is worth the risk and that the team can also break him of some of his bad habits; including looking to make a big play down field a little bit too often. Some of his big hits could have been avoidable simply by working to the check down receiver more quickly — and getting the football out of his hand sooner rather than later.
This isn’t a slam dunk proposition; but the more healthy quarterback options Miami has at their disposal, the better.
