The Tua Tagovailoa era in Miami took another step on Monday when the future Dolphins franchise quarterback joined his first refurbished football practice since suffering a posterior wall fracture and right hip dislocation in November.
There was a ton of anticipation on what Tagovailoa would do in the first exercise open to reporters, but he was put into action on his first day. He was seen throwing two passes – both short completions – while most of his plays were handoffs during three drill-team sessions he ran Monday.
What could be seen in action 11 on 11 and even during some of his one-on-one work was fluid mobility which was impressive because of the significance of his injury.
He looked healthier – perhaps the biggest question for him – and mobile when he rolled out of his pocket on the run.
“He has looked healthy in OTAs and passing practices. This will be the first in pads. Yes, he has looked healthy,” coach Brian Flores said before training. “We take this one day at a time with Tua, as we do with every player, and hope he improves on a daily basis. Like any rookie, he needs the snaps and he needs the reps to improve and get better and give himself an opportunity. “
Tagovailoa’s best throw of the day came at one-on-one when he hit fast veteran receiver Jakeem Grant with a deep touchdown pass, and cornerback Nik Needham struck.
But on day 1 of the competition with all eyes on Tagovailoa, the other Dolphins quarterbacks came to the opportunity.
Josh Rosen had the best throw of the day – an on-the-money, go-route touchdown to Grant on the left sideline – during team drills. Ryan Fitzpatrick, the veteran infielder and favorite to start Week 1 of the season, also made a few highlight disputed throws to DeVante Parker and Preston Williams.
The expectation is that the Tagovailoa team will give more in practice as training camp continues.
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