Tua Tagovailoa is expected to return as the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback for the 2023 season, ESPN reported early Sunday morning.

Per the network, the Dolphins have been pleased with Tagovailoa’s development this season under first-year coach Mike McDaniel.

Tagovailoa has been in concussion protocol since Dec. 26 and is ruled out of Sunday’s AFC wild-card game against the host Buffalo Bills. Rookie Skylar Thompson will starat for the Dolphins.

Tagovailoa is in the protocol for the third time this season after self-reporting symptoms following a Week 16 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Dolphins broke a five-game losing streak and won a wild-card spot with a 9-8 record by virtue of their 11-6 win over the New York Jets last Sunday.

Tagovailoa, 24, had a strong start to the season, with the Dolphins going 8-0 in the first eight games he started and finished. But he threw a season-high three interceptions against the Packers on Christmas Day. He sustained his second confirmed concussion of the season in the 26-20 loss.

This season, he threw for 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns, both career highs in his third NFL season, along with eight interceptions.

This offseason, the Dolphins also will have to decide if they extend a fifth-year option to Tagovailoa.

Tagovailoa has thrown for 8,015 yards with 52 touchdowns and 23 interceptions in 36 career games since being selected by the Dolphins with the fifth overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media