The next episode of Tua Time is TBD.
Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores told reporters Thursday that rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be a game-time decision for Sunday's bout with the Bengals.
"He was limited in practice. We'll take it one day at a time. Both quarterbacks practiced yesterday. We'll see how he progresses throughout the week and make a decision on Sunday," Flores said.
Two weeks ago, the meeting was marked on many calendars for its tantalizing matchup between Tagovailoa and Joe Burrow, the top two QBs taken in the 2020 draft. Now both are injured, with Burrow done for the season and Tagovailoa possibly missing a second game after jamming his thumb in practice. Flores reiterated earlier in the week that his first-year signal-caller is "the guy" if he's healthy, which was in question after Tagovailoa had been benched in favor of Ryan Fitzpatrick during the fourth quarter of a Week 11 loss to the Broncos.
The more pressing matter since has been whether the southpaw, who practiced Wednesday with black tape covering his wrist and ailing thumb, will be available to make his next start. It's a topic Flores isn't nearly as excited to discuss.
“It’s Thursday," he said. "I know you guys want to know now if he’s playing (or) not playing. But we’ve still got two days of practice and like always we’ll make the best decision for the team.”
Running back Salvon Ahmed (shoulder) was also limited.
Here's other news, injuries and transactions we're tracking on Thursday:
- NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday, per a source, that all PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) tests from Wednesday's Baltimore Ravens-Pittsburgh Steelers game were negative.
- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) did not practice Thursday. Jones missed this past Sunday's win over the Raiders with the hamstring issue, which has lingered this season. Jones has missed three games so far this season and has 45 catches for 677 yards and three touchdowns.
- The NFL conditionally reinstated Seahawks wide receiver Josh Gordon, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported. He can begin practicing on Dec. 21 and will be eligible to play in Seattle's final two regular-season games, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Gordon was suspended indefinitely while a member of the Seahawks last December for violating the NFL policies on performance-enhancing substances and substances of abuse. Seattle re-signed the veteran wideout in September to a one-year deal. Also, Seattle listed running back Carlos Hyde (toe) as a DNP after he was limited Wednesday. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap (foot) missed practice again.
- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn't address quarterback Cam Newton's health after he appeared on the injury report Wednesday and was limited in practice with an abdomen injury, simply noting that the team will update the report if needed. "I'm feeling as good as I can be feeling," Newton said, per NFL Network's Mike Giardi. Former Bucs linebacker Jack Cichy has been awarded to the Pats in a waiver claim, Rapoport said, per a source. Rapoport added that he needs to get through the COVID protocols.
- Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin confirmed pass rusher Bud Dupree will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. The team placed Dupree on injured reserve and signed safety Antoine Brooks to the active roster.
- Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (ankle), safety Johnathan Abram (knee) and receiver Nelson Agholor (ankle) missed another practice. Cornerback Damon Arnette (concussion/neck) was limited after being a DNP on Wednesday.
- Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (neck) did not participate in practice; cornerback Darius Slay (calf) and tight end Zach Ertz (ankle) were limited.
- Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (shin) and cornerback Chris Harris (foot) were upgraded from DNP to limited. Offensive linemen Bryan Bulaga (illness) and Trai Turner (ankle) were full participants after being limited.
- The Indianapolis Colts activated defensive lineman Denico Autry from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- The Arizona Cardinals activated safety Deionte Thompson from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Quarterback Kyler Murray (right shoulder) was a full practice participant; he was limited on Wednesday.
- Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Thursday that he expects standout defensive end Myles Garrett to play on Sunday, barring any setbacks. Garrett was activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday.
- The Cincinnati Bengals announced rookie quarterback Joe Burrow underwent "successful" knee surgery Wednesday. "The procedure went as planned and he is expected to make a complete recovery," the team said in a statement. "Joe will begin the recovery process and we look forward to his return."
- Detroit Lions interim coach Darrell Bevell said running back D'Andre Swift, who sat out Week 12, is still working through concussion protocol; he did not practice Thursday. The team later announced that Swift is no longer in concussion protocol following confirmation from an Independent Neurological Consultant. Quarterback Matthew Stafford (thumb) was limited again.
- Tennessee Titans receiver A.J. Brown (hip) did not practice and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (knee) was upgraded to limited after being a DNP on Wednesday. Tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) remained out.
- Chicago Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks (hamstring) returned to practice in a limited capacity. Linebacker Khalil Mack (back) was out again; coach Matt Nagy said Mack was held out for precautionary reasons but is expected to play in Week 13. Nagy also said quarterback Nick Foles (hip) was a full participant and is expected to back up Mitchell Trubisky on Sunday.
- New York Giants coach Joe Judge said quarterback Daniel Jones (hamstring) could be worked into practice Friday, but his status for Sunday's game against the Seahawks is still unclear. Jones did not practice Thursday. Wide receivers Sterling Shepard (toe/shoulder) and Darius Slayton (shoulder/foot) were limited.
- The Minnesota Vikings signed linebacker Hardy Nickerson to the practice squad. Linebacker Eric Kendricks was added to the injury report with a calf injury and was limited in practice. Running back Dalvin Cook (ankle) was limited for the second day in a row.
- The San Francisco 49ers removed tight end Daniel Helm from the reserve/COVID-19 list and released him from the practice squad. Receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring) was held out of practice as a precaution, per Kyle Shanahan.
- Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (knee/ankle) was on the team's injury report Thursday, but was a full participant.
- Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (knee) was limited after being DNP on Wednesday. The team placed defensive lineman Darius Kilgo on the practice squad reserve/COVID-19 list.
- Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and cornerback Bashaud Breeland did not participate in Thursday's practice due to illness.
- Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver D.J. Chark (ribs) remained limited.
- The Los Angeles Rams waived linebacker Jachai Polite.
- The New York Jets placed linebacker Blake Cashman (groin) on injured reserve.