Report: Dolphins' Tua likely to start vs. Bengals

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to return to the lineup and start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

The rookie passer has been dealing with a thumb injury that sidelined him for Week 12. Tagovailoa will test the ailment during pre-game warmups as a final precaution before taking the field, Rapoport adds.

Tagovailoa took the majority of first-team reps in practice this week, another indicator he'll suit up for Week 13.

The 22-year-old has compiled a 3-1 record since head coach Brian Flores anointed him Miami's starting quarterback during the team's bye week. He's done a good job protecting the football, throwing for six touchdowns with no interceptions.

Selected fifth overall by the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tagovailoa has yet to throw for over 250 yards in a game. On Sunday, he'll be up against a Bengals defense that ranks 26th in the NFL in yardage allowed.

Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to back up Tagovailoa.

The Dolphins are in the thick of the AFC playoff race, currently holding the sixth seed after winning six of their last seven games.

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