Tua Tagovailoa was rusty against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, and everyone should understand it.
He had not taken a snap for the Miami Dolphins as its starting quarterback since a scary neck and head injury happened versus the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 29. Tagovailoa spent a while in concussion protocol, and Miami’s coaching staff wanted him to clear that before thinking about returning to the field. He nearly threw four interceptions in his return, but the Steelers dropped all four opportunities. Tagovailoa led the Dolphins on a touchdown drive and totaled 261 passing yards with one score.
He also had four carries for 15 yards rushing.
RELATED: Chad Johnson shows support for Tua Tagovailoa in his return to Dolphins
Tagovailoa credited the defense in his postgame presser for the 16-10 victory, but the former Alabama quarterback knows he and Miami’s offense have work to do. He is hard on himself and wants the best for his team. He will have things in order as the Dolphins travel to face the Detroit Lions next Sunday. Chad Johnson, a former NFL wide receiver, wore a No. 1 jersey to support Tagovailoa in his return. Miami is happy about the win as it improves to 4-3, but its signal-caller wants a deep playoff run.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
