Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, as expected, was officially ruled out of Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots due to his concussion, coach Mike McDaniel said Friday.
The third-year quarterback remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol and likely in some early stages of the five-step return-to-play process, since he hasn’t practiced all week.
McDaniel called Tagovailoa “better than the day before” on Friday as the team is taking the approach of not having him worry about anything beyond the current day. Tagovailoa has been at the team facility this week, mostly with the medical staff, but also attending team meetings without participating in positional meetings with the other quarterbacks.
Teddy Bridgewater is in line to start for the Dolphins in Foxborough on Sunday with rookie Skylar Thompson as his backup quarterback.
McDaniel said several other Dolphins are expected to be game-time decisions ahead of the critical matchup against the Patriots with significant playoff implications for both AFC East rivals.
Cornerback Xavien Howard, although McDaniel said he was expected to practice Friday, was not seen during a brief portion of media viewing drills after appearing on Thursday’s injury report with a knee ailment.
Miami left tackle Terron Armstead missed workouts Wednesday and Thursday and was not seen Friday as he heals from toe, pectoral, knee and hip injuries. Armstead is now dealing with an injury to a quarter of his body, his hip, after being admitted last week with the other three ailments.
“Lots of dripping effect. He is a warrior,” McDaniel said. “He’s going to push him until game time and see if he can try.”
Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (hand/ankle) and fullback Alec Ingold (thumb) returned to practice Friday after missing drills Wednesday and Thursday. Both carried a cast on their right hand.
“All the players fall under that umbrella. [of game-time decisions]McDaniel said.
Wide receiver River Cracraft and tackle Eric Fisher, both with calf injuries, had missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. Fisher was still not seen Friday, but Cracraft returned to exercise for the first time since he strained his calf on Dec. 8, the Thursday before the Dolphins’ loss to the Chargers.
Although right tackle Brandon Shell appeared on Thursday’s injury report with a sore shoulder, McDaniel is confident he’ll be able to play Sunday. Shell was practicing on Friday.
This story will be updated.
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