Dolphins Quarterback Tagovailoa Expected to Start on Thursday Night Football

The Miami Dolphins will have a great chance to continue their undefeated season this week. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to start on Thursday Night Football despite back and ankle issues.

#Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa — listed as questionable with back and ankle issues — is expected to play tonight against the #Bengals, barring a setback, per sources.

WR Jaylen Waddle (groin) and LT Terron Armstead (toe) should be good to go, too.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 29, 2022

Tagovailoa came up wobbling after a crunching hit in the first half of the Dolphins' 21-19 win over the Buffalo Bills. Initial speculation suggested the quarterback had suffered a concussion, but Tagovailoa surprisingly returned in the third quarter and secured the win. The Dolphins and Tagovailoa later explained that the passer had suffered a back injury on the play in question, casting doubt over his availability for Week 4's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Much to the team's relief, he appears good to go.

Photo Credit: © JIM RASSOL/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tagovailoa has been a key contributor to the Dolphins' hot start to the season, throwing for 925 yards and a 117.8 passer rating through three weeks. He has come through in the clutch in the past two weeks as well, notching a pair of fourth-quarter comebacks in exciting wins over fellow AFC contenders the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.

After a middling first two years in the league that had many doubting his worthiness of a long-term commitment from the Dolphins, Tagovailoa will have every opportunity to continue his ascension to franchise quarterback status this week against the 1-2 Bengals.