The Miami Dolphins want to gain momentum heading into the 2025 NFL season with the support of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The franchise is looking to move past its 2024 performance, where it finished with an 8‑9 record and missed the playoffs.

Tagovailoa missed the first few games of last season due to a concussion that raised concerns throughout the sports world. However, he now appears refreshed and ready to lead a team with high aspirations, ambitions that will be on display as early as the preseason.

It was the first season the Dolphins missed the playoffs under head coach Mike McDaniel, making it clear that the pressure is now on Tagovailoa to lead the team to a winning record and leave injuries behind. In that context, the Dolphins’ star quarterback made a revealing statement during training camp.

Tagovailoa’s statement

“I’m not going to put myself in situations where I’m not available for my team. I’d definitely love to get some preseason snaps in. Definitely,” Tagovailoa said about his current status, as reported by ESPN insider Marcel Louis-Jacques.

Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks on prior to the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“It’s a new season, it’s a new year. I’ve got to reconnect with the guys, all of that. I don’t think I’m better than anyone on this team or that I’m too cool to play in preseason games. No, I don’t care about that at all. I’d love to,” Tagovailoa added.

Dolphins’ preseason outlook

The Dolphins are expected to take advantage of Tagovailoa’s desire to get reps during the preseason. Miami’s three tune-up games will be against the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Jacksonville Jaguars, three valuable tests ahead of their 2025 NFL season opener against the Indianapolis Colts.