The Dolphins might finally be able to breathe a little easier. Why? Well, after a rough 2-4 start, Tua Tagovailoa is expected to be the only player designated to return this week from injured reserve or the physically unable to perform list. But before Dolphins fans get too excited, head coach Mike McDaniel had some thoughts on Tua’s role moving forward, especially after his recent concussion.

Standing at the podium on Wednesday, McDaniel made it clear: “He [Tua] needs to be the captain, he needs to be the leader of this team, and he needs to feel complete ownership of his game… You’re trying to build on what the team is doing right now and then utilize his strengths.”

See, the thing is, Tua led the team’s captain vote during the preseason. And his return this week against the Arizona Cardinals could definitely boost team morale.

McDaniel was upfront about the cautious approach Miami took with Tua’s recovery, saying, “It’s pretty simple when medical experts are advising you to do one thing… That made it pretty cut and dried.” In other words, Tua’s return wasn’t rushed, and McDaniel wants to make sure the QB1 is ready for the long haul.

While Tua’s comeback is big news, McDaniel is urging the team not to view it as a magic fix. Everyone must be on board. McDaniel made it clear that all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams—need to step up.

No one can sit back and assume Tua’s going to solve all the Dolphins’ problems. After all, they’ve only won one game since Tua went down with a concussion in week 2, and the team’s now sitting at 2-4. It’s crunch time in Miami.

Before the injury, Tua had a rocky start, completing 64.5% of his passes with two touchdowns and three picks. But if he can channel last season’s form, where he led the league in passing yards, the Phins might just find themselves back in the playoff mix. That is, only if he gets the chance to show his work in progress against the Cardinals. If not, then the depth chart would face a test.

If not Tua Tagovailoa, then who?

We all know Tua Tagovailoa isn’t a one-man show. But let’s be real: when he’s on the field, the Phins find a way to win. Just look at the numbers—Tua’s 33-20 record as a starter speaks for itself. He’s never had a losing season in the NFL. So, when Coach McDaniel says, “He’s not a one-man army,” we get it, Coach. But… the stats kinda beg to differ, don’t they?

The big question this week isn’t whether Tua will start, but who’s going to back him up. With Tyler Huntley sidelined by a shoulder injury, McDaniel has a decision to make. Tim Boyle, Skylar Thompson, and newly signed C.J. Beathard are all in the mix.

Thompson, who began the season as the No. 2 QB, has been dealing with rib and chest injuries. Sure, he’s back at practice, but throwing deep still causes him some discomfort. So, who do you think gets the nod?

Tua remains on injured reserve, but the team will likely activate him later this week. He will practice for the first time since suffering his concussion in Week 2 against Buffalo. “You [hope] for a couple of good days with no blips so he’s cleared to return,” McDaniel said. Fingers crossed we’ll see Tua back in action this Sunday. The Dolphins need him to get this season back on track.

As for Beathard, McDaniel’s got history with him from their San Francisco days. The coach loves his toughness and arm talent, but with a 3-10 record as a starter, the backup situation feels shaky. So, what do you think? If it’s not Tua, who’s your pick to lead the Dolphins if things get dicey?