For the Dolphins, imagine the stress when Tua Tagovailoa walked out the field holding his neck against Bills in the week 2 game. They put him on the injured reserve (IR) list. He returned against Cardinals in the week 8. Fast forward to week 17 game against the Browns, he missed the game because of a hip injury. Now, with season finale against NY Jets, only a couple of days away, he opened up on his mindset.

Though his name was on the injury list, and he was a limited participant in the practice, and now he is talking about week 18 game. While talking about the final game, he said that he wanted to play, “no ifs, ands, or buts about it.” He was also frustrated about not getting medical clearance and added, “Hell yeah I’m frustrated.”

In 11 games this year, Tua Tagovailoa has a 6-5 win-loss record. So, to qualify for the playoffs, the Dolphins need to win against Jets at any cost. Not only that, they also need the other teams, Broncos and Bengals, to lose their games. If he doesn’t play, the Phins would need Tyler Huntley to step up.

While talking about Tua’s influence on his gameplay, Huntley said, “He’s been amazing. He don’t know if he’s going or not, just being able to just be out there with us. His footwork is flawless and being able to see him do it just makes me fine tune mine.” In 4 games this year, he has a 2-2 win-loss record. However, the Dolphins would like their main QB to play.

It would be exciting and emotional at the same time. If they qualify, fans would be happy. If they don’t, sadness will take over.

Tua Tagovailoa’s teammate emotional over the week 18 game

Playing in his 17th season in the league, DE Calais Campbell sent an emotional message to his locker room that was, “I know that it’s not 100 percent or I’m definitely going to be done, but I have to treat this like it could be my last game. That’s a pretty strong emotional feeling there. As much as I love this game, as much as I’ve given this game, the fact that this could be the last one is kind of crazy. But I’m going to go out there and play with all my heart and try to finish with a bang.”

That’s a pretty bold statement. The 38-year-old has played in all 16 games for the Dolphins this year. With 49 tackles (33 solo) and 5 passes defended and 1 forced fumble, the DE has been a stable part of their defense. But everything has come down to the last game with a stroke of luck.

For Mike McDaniel, Tua Tagovailoa’s injury has increased the headaches. It would be the coach’s first season where the team would not play in the postseason, having qualified in 2022 and 2023. Just 3 more days. And the situation would be clear.