Tua Tagovailoa Dismisses Retirement Rumors, Eyes Comeback vs. Cardinals

It has been four long weeks since Tua Tagovailoa last stepped on the field for the Miami Dolphins this season. After Tua suffered a concussion in Week 2 during a game against the Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins placed their star quarterback on injured reserve so that he wouldn't return hastily and could focus on proper healing.Also read - Vita Vea’s Surprise Return Could Tip the Scales for Buccaneers in Monday Night BattleThe building rumors and talks that swirled through the public about retirement finally forced Tagovailoa to address all the chatter,"How much risk do we take when we get up in the morning and drive to work? You can get in a car accident. There is risk in any & everything. I’m willing to play odds." This has been celebration enough for Dolphins fans who have seen the difference he makes when in the game. Since his departure from the squad, the Dolphins have lost three of their last four games, which is a real sign of how much of an essential part he plays in the side's ability to succeed on the pitch.Miami's season has turned worrying as it has gone through a spell without Tagovailoa in charge of the offense. The team is now sitting behind the Buffalo Bills in the standings, and quarterback instability has been the sole reason for these recent failures. The Dolphins sit at 3-4, and Buffalo currently leads their division at 5-2 after seven weeks of action. Tua's return would be just what this team needed, as they have averaged a miserable 11.67 points per game in his absence.Despite Tua's desire to return, Miami's head coach Mike McDaniel still hasn't let his guard down when it comes to throwing him back too soon. Mike McDaniel said that: "Our plan is to start him practicing on Wednesday, and the clearing doesn't come until after some of the activity. But we're obviously doing so in the hope of everything going well so he can play Sunday, but that will be determined."Tagovailoa will still have to clear concussion protocols to be officially declared fit for the Dolphins' game against the Arizona Cardinals. But if he does, everything - and the Dolphins - would change.Since Tua's injury, the Dolphins have had a merry-go-round on quarterbacks, starting Skylar Thompson the week after Tua suffered his Week 2 injury before Thompson got rib issues. That opened the door for Tyler Huntley, who started the next three games before injuring his shoulder. When backup QB Tim Boyle stepped in to replace Huntley last Sunday versus the Colts, it was not exactly a feel-good moment, as the Miami Dolphins offense really wasn't going anywhere.Miami's season stands at a crossroad. A successful return for Tua Tagovailoa may be the difference between playoff hopes and failure.Also read - Hailee Steinfeld's Christmas Gift Sparks ‘Official Girlfriend’ Status While Josh Allen’s Ex Leaves Fans Guessing