MIAMI GARDENS – Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has cleared the concussion protocol and will play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, coach Mike McDaniel said Friday.

Tagovailoa has been in concussion status since September 12 after suffering the third concussion of his career in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. He was placed on injured reserve five days later and missed the team’s next four games.

The league’s leading passer from a season ago was cleared to return to practice this week, in accordance with NFL policy, and was officially cleared for protocol after completing full practice on Thursday.

Tagovailoa told reporters on Monday that he had been symptom-free since September 13, but he understood the team’s decision to place him on IR and “protect me from myself.” He has consulted with “several top medical experts across the country” over the past month and “zero” of them, McDaniel said, recommended he retire.

Tagovailoa’s decision to return was one he made with his doctors and family, and he did not consider retiring.

The Dolphins have lost three of their four games without Tagovailoa this season and currently sit in second place in the AFC East with a 2-4 record. Their offense ranks last in scoring through six games, although Dolphins players are optimistic that will change upon Tagovailoa’s return.

“It makes a big difference. Tua – him and Mike, they have a very special bond,” wide receiver Tyreek Hill said. “He allows Tua to be Tua. Tua has a connection with all the guys, we all spend a lot of time with Tua, so the connection is there. When you bring all that on the field, it magnifies everything we do — throws are on time, playcalling, the operation is faster.

McDaniel also confirmed safety. Jevon Holland and linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah will play Sunday after missing one game with injuries. Cornerback Kader Kohou and defensive tackle Zach Sieler will not play, leaving the Dolphins without two defensive starters.