REVEALED: Tua Tagovailoa WILL play for Dolphins again this season as NFL insider teases return date – despite calls for QB to retire after concussion

Tua Tagovailoa is reportedly on track to return to the NFL within weeks despite multiple calls for the quarterback to retire following his latest concussion.

Tagovailoa hit the ground after a hit by Damar Hamlin during the third quarter of the Miami Dolphins’ loss to the Buffalo Bills and appeared to go straight into the screen reaction.

It was the signal caller’s third known concussion of his NFL career after suffering a history of head injuries dating back to 2022, and the scary scenes led to calls from fans, former players and medical experts for Tagovailoa to leave the game .

Despite the fears, however, the quarterback is planning a return to the field this season, according to Adam Schefter.

Ahead of the Dolphins’ game against the Tennessee Titans on Monday night, Schefter revealed that Tagovailoa is “symptom-free” and on track to return as early as Week 8.

“He’s met with neurologists and I don’t think anyone has told him anything at this point to deter him from wanting to play,” Schefter said on Monday Night Countdown.

‘There is a feeling here that he will definitely come back. For all the talk about Tua Tagovailoa and how he should stop playing and retire, the fact is that when his four games are on injured reserve, he will be back in the Miami Dolphins lineup.

‘There is a real chance that he will return so soon. At the earliest, he seems intent on continuing his NFL career sooner or later.”

Tagovailoa was at Hard Rock Stadium Monday night to cheer on his team, despite not playing after the Dolphins placed him on injured reserve.

He will be forced to miss four games after being placed on IR, which will rule him out until Week 6. Miami has a bye week in Week 7, meaning the first Tagovailoa could make his return in Week 8.

Tagovailoa collided with Bills safety Hamlin in the open field and led with his head instead of sliding. The signal caller went down after the collision and hit his head on the Hard Rock turf.

He has now suffered three known concussions in the NFL after his 2022 season was cut short by head injuries.

In week 3 of that year, he was rocked by a huge tackle and went into the screen reaction, but later returned to the game.

In week 4, he again showed concussion symptoms after another brutal hit and was stretchered off the field.

Later in the season, in Week 16, he suffered another concussion, ending his season and prompting a change in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

And the latest scare has led many former players to call on Tagovailoa to make his health a priority.

Former NFL star Dez Bryant led the call for his retirement on social media as Tagovailoa was escorted from the game.

“It is,” Bryant wrote. “NFL go ahead and do the right thing. Tua has had way too many concussions. He has to retire because of his health problems.’

NFL legend Shannon Sharpe echoed Bryant’s sentiments, saying, “I really hope Tua does well, but he needs to seriously consider closing it.” I H8 say this. His concussions are getting worse and he is a young man with his whole life ahead of him.”

Meanwhile, Manti Te’o, a former NFL player and close friend, tearfully urged Tagovailoa to make “the right decision.”

However, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel declined to discuss the possibility of Tagovailoa hanging up his cleats, insisting it is the player’s decision.

“I think it would be so wrong of me to even sniff that subject,” the 41-year-old said when asked if Tagovailoa would leave Friday’s game.

‘It is more in line with actual care for people. You’re talking about his career. His career is his.

‘I completely understand why people want to go there. For a moment, I wish people would hear what I’m saying: that bringing up his future is not in his best interest.

“I’m going to beg anyone who really cares that that’s the last thing on your mind.

“If I answered that question and he read it, whether he agreed or disagreed, it would make him even worse.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate because of my care and respect. I don’t think these kinds of conversations when you’re talking about someone’s career… I think it’s only fair that their career is defined by them.”