The Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa is coming through concussion protocol and will face the Cardinals in Week 8 after a four-game absence

It’s official: Tua Tagovailoa is back. More than a month after suffering his third documented concussion in two years, the Miami Dolphins quarterback has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will be activated from injured reserve to start Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, the Dolphins announced Friday known.

The embattled signal caller returned to training on WednesdayHe made his first on-field appearance for the team since Miami’s Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills and was cleared by an independent neurological consultant after Thursday’s meeting. According to ESPN, not a single doctor who spoke with Tagovailoa during his recovery process “recommended that he withdraw from the game,” although other medical experts pointed out that the quarterback was injured immediately after his last head injury that he should think about it.

Tagovailoa, who has missed Miami’s last four games as a substitute, also missed four games in 2022 after suffering multiple concussions. He admitted he had considered retiring after this season, but firmly denied having considered the possibility again when addressing reporters this week.

“I appreciate your concern.” Tagovailoa said. “[But] I love this game and I love it to death.

The Pro Bowler also told reporters this week that he will not wear the Guardian Cap, the soft-shell helmet designed to prevent concussions, upon his return, calling the decision a “personal decision.” However, he will wear a VICIS ZERO2 MATRIX ID quarterback helmet, which ESPN says is rated better for protection than other helmet models, even taking into account the use of a Guardian Cap.