Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expects quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to make his return to the lineup at some point in 2024. Unsurprisingly, McDaniel doesn’t want to say when, though.

“[Updates have] continued to be positive,” McDaniel said of Tagovailoa on Monday morning. “There’s still information that he’s seeking this week, and as far as timelines go, I know he’s not playing this week and I do expect to see him playing football in 2024. But where that is, exactly, we’ll let the process continue since we still have time before he even could entertain anything.”

While it’s not shocking news — as Tagovailoa’s return has seemed inevitable based on most reports — Monday was the first time that McDaniel has said that he anticipates getting his starting quarterback back in the fold this season.

Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve after suffering a concussion during the Dolphins’ Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Considering the quarterback’s alarming history of head injuries, many suggested that Tagovailoa consider retirement. But Tagovailoa is eligible to return to the Dolphins as early as Week 8, and there are plenty of indications that he’ll be back sooner rather than later.

Prior to his injury, Tagovailoa completed 64.5 percent of his passes for 483 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. In three games and change without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ backup quarterbacks have collectively completed 60.6 percent of their passes for 556 yards with no touchdowns and an interceptions.

Miami currently ranks last in the NFL in scoring with an average of 12 points per game. The Dolphins have averaged 10 points in their three games without Tagovailoa.