Tua Tagovailoa is back on the practice field for the first time since December this week and he looks noticeably bulkier than he did during his breakout 2022 season.
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe noted that the Dolphins’ former first-round quarterback is bigger and stronger heading into his fourth year in the league. Tagovailoa is also reportedly wearing the VICIS Zero2 Matrix QB helmet, which is specifically designed for signal-callers to help reduce concussions.
That was a recurring concern for Tagovailoa last season, as he entered concussion protocol two separate times -- forcing him to miss four regular-season games in addition to Miami’s playoff loss to the Bills.
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“This time of year we always hear guys say they’re in the best shape of their career, but it’s important for Tua, one, because you get more zip on those passes, which I saw today, but also having more size maybe helps with being able to take contact and prevent some of those injuries we’ve seen really slow down Tua’s career,” Wolfe said on NFL Total Access.
When he was on the field, Tagovailoa was leading one of the best passing offenses in the league. He finished with more than 3,500 yards and 25 passing touchdowns — both career-highs — and helped support two top-12 fantasy wide receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who combined for more than 3,000 yards. For his part, Tagovailoa finished 15th in total points at his position and he was a top-12 quarterback on a points per game basis.
SI’s Michael Fabiano has Tagovailoa ranked 12th among quarterbacks in his latest fantasy football positional rankings and Hill and Waddle come in at fourth and 11th, respectively, among wide receivers.
Tagovailoa’s offseason workouts, which reportedly include jiu jitsu, have him looking ready to withstand the grind of a 17-game season and sling the ball all over the field for a Mike McDaniel offense that’s built on speed.
The Dolphins exercised Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option in March, which will keep him with the team through the 2024 season. The front office added even more speed around him in the offseason with the addition of rookie running back Devon Achane and veteran receiver Chosen Anderson.
Tagovailoa has come under fire in the past for a viral video of an underthrown pass that spurred questions about his arm strength. His offseason in the weight room might mean those clips are a thing of the past. And seeing how his concussions were virtually the only thing that held him back last season, the new and improved helmet and bigger build are both positive signs for Tagovailoa and the entire Miami offense in 2023.
