Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa limited in practice with injuries to thumb, quadriceps

MIAMI GARDENS — The Dolphins held seven players out of practice Wednesday, including five starters, but it was one player who did practice whose name jumped out on the injury report: quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

The Dolphins listed Tagovailoa as limited with injuries to his left thumb and quadriceps. Because the thumb injury is on his throwing hand, it could affect his ability to grip a ball, depending on severity.

Until the report came out, there was no indication Tagovailoa might be ailing. He never mentioned it in his talk with reporters and spoke as if he’s preparing to play against the Ravens on Sunday in Baltimore.

Tagovailoa wasn’t asked about his health because he appeared to come out of Sunday’s 22-20 victory over Dallas unscathed. And coach Mike McDaniel had addressed reporters hours before the injury report was issued.

Tagovailoa has endured his share of injuries early in his NFL career, which is why his health was a primary concern entering this season. A popular line of thinking was the Dolphins would go only as far as a healthy Tagovailoa could take them.

Ironically, as many starting NFL quarterbacks went down with long-term injuries, Tagovailoa has been able to start every game for Miami and has not appeared on the injury report until now, with the exception of a minor cut on his arm after a game against the Jets.

Receiver Jaylen Waddle was among the starters who did not practice Wednesday. Waddle's injury was confirmed as a high ankle sprain, McDaniel said, although that doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t play against the Ravens.

Waddle was injured against Dallas. High ankle sprains can be nagging injuries that keep players out for a month or more, but McDaniel called Waddle “one of the toughest, if not the toughest, fast guys that I’ve ever been around.”

Because of that, McDaniel added: “It’s tough to rule him out for this week. It’s not overly severe, but high ankles are tough when you make a living on cutting, so we’ll see how he responds.”

More: How can the Miami Dolphins get a No. 1 seed in the NFL Playoffs?

The Dolphins could be thin at receiver because Robbie Chosen is in concussion protocol, but McDaniel said Chosen is progressing through the program even though he’s not ready to practice.

The other Dolphins who did not practice were guard Rob Hunt (hamstring), running back Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle), left tackle Terron Armstead (knee, ankle, back), receiver Tyreek Hill (ankle, vet rest) and backup running back De'Von Achane (toe).

Tagovailoa was one of six starters limited on Wednesday. The others: center Liam Eichenberg (calf, ankle), safety Jevon Holland (knees), cornerback Xavien Howard (hip, thumb), tackle Austin Jackson (oblique) and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (wrist).

The Ravens' injury list included receiver Zay Flowers (calf) and safety Kyle Hamilton (knee), who did not practice.

Mostert was limited in the Cowboys game because of a leg injury.

“But good luck telling that guy” he can’t suit up, McDaniel said.

Mostert is a 31-year-old veteran who can be effective despite getting minimal reps in practice, McDaniel said.

Hunt last played a full game in October because of a hamstring injury. McDaniel said he has healed to the point that rather than being week-to-week, Hunt is on the brink of being day-to-day.

Jason Sanders wins player of week honors for fifth time

Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders, who made five field goals against the Cowboys, including three from beyond 50 yards, is the AFC special teams player of the week, joining elite company in team history.

Since the awards were instituted in 1984, the only other Dolphins to win player of the week honors five or more times are Hall of Famers Dan Marino (18) and Jason Taylor (seven).

There will be two players of the week on the field in Baltimore. Hamilton is the AFC defensive player of the week after making two interceptions against the 49ers, including one in the end zone against Brock Purdy.

• A win Sunday would give the Dolphins their first AFC East title since 2008 when Chad Pennington was their quarterback. It also would give Miami a top-two seed for the first time since 1992.

Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com.Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to subscribe.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa limited wih injuries to thumb, quadriceps