Tua Tagovailoa Throws Interception on First Pass of 2023 Preseason

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has not played in an NFL game since last Christmas, but the fourth-year quarterback returned to the field on Saturday vs. the Texans. However, Tagovailoa may want a do-over on his first play.

To begin the game, on the very first play from scrimmage, Tagovailoa threw an interception to veteran Houston linebacker Denzel Perryman. Luckily for Tagovailoa, the quarterback bounced back on his second drive, completing five of his next six passes for 61 yards as Miami scored a rushing touchdown to open the scoring.

Texans defense intercepts Tua on the first play @d_perryman52

????: #MIAvsHOU on @NFLNetwork
????: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/L9mPiySUki pic.twitter.com/QK7BBVQ3R4

— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2023

Tagovailoa is returning to the field following a 2022 season where he suffered two separate concussions, including one against the Packers that essentially ended his season last year. Tagovailoa was having his best season in the NFL, throwing for 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns, both career highs, but missed four games due to his health.

During the offseason, Tagovailoa made an effort to try and improve his durability, which included adopting jiu-jitsu. Since entering the league in 2020, the quarterback has played in 36 of a possible 50 regular season games.