Tua hoping to play TNF vs. Bengals: 'That's the plan'

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hopes to play in his team's Thursday Night Football contest against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 despite back and ankle injuries.

"That's the plan," Tagovailoa said Tuesday, according to Pro Football Network's Adam H. Beasley. "Doing everything I can to get back out there. Hopefully, I can get out there and play."

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa would have been listed as limited and questionable if the team held a full practice Tuesday instead of a walkthrough.

The quarterback said his back injury was the biggest issue.

"I would say everything," Tagovailoa said when asked how the injury affects him on the field, according to Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper. "Having to twist to hand the ball off, having to toss the ball, having to throw the ball. Every aspect of it."

Tagovailoa briefly left Sunday's win over the Buffalo Bills to be checked for a concussion. He took a big hit from Bills linebacker Matt Milano and stumbled after getting to his feet, prompting concerns about a head injury.

But the 24-year-old cleared the concussion protocol and returned to lead Miami to victory after missing just three plays. The NFL Players Association subsequently initiated an investigation into the Dolphins' handling of Tagovailoa's concussion check.

McDaniel clarified postgame that Tagovailoa was instead dealing with back and ankle ailments. The signal-caller said the back injury caused his stumble.

Teddy Bridgewater is in line to start for Miami if Tagovailoa can't play. The Dolphins are looking to remain undefeated in Week 4.

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