Flores: Tua's hip injury a factor in Dolphins' early-season QB plans

Tua Tagovailoa is practicing without limitations during training camp, but Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is erring on the side of caution with his rookie quarterback.

The Dolphins are expected to name Ryan Fitzpatrick their Week 1 starter, and Flores noted that Tagovailoa's hip injury will be a factor in determining the team's early-season quarterback plans.

"(Tua's recovery) is definitely part of the conversation, for sure," Flores told reporters Tuesday, according to Safid Deen of the Sun Sentinel. "We're at 10 months (since he was hurt). It was a pretty serious injury. He looks good, though. You guys have seen him. He's healthy. He's moving around to his right and to his left. But yes, that's part of the conversation."

Tagovailoa's college career at Alabama ended last November after he suffered the hip injury, and he was unable to participate in the majority of the lead-up to the 2020 draft. He passed his physical in July and was cleared to fully participate in team practices.

Miami selected the lefty fifth overall this past April, but Flores is more concerned with Tagovailoa's long-term health than rushing him onto the field as a rookie.

"Look, he's a great kid," he said. "I care about him. And I want what’s best for him."

The Dolphins open their season Sept. 13 against the New England Patriots.