MIAMI GARDENS - Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has not played in the first preseason game of Mike McDaniel's first two seasons.

Will Tua Tagovailoa play Friday for the Miami Dolphins?

Tua has played in Week 2 of preseason in each of the last two seasons. And then he played just a bit in Week 3.

Will Tua play against the Falcons on Friday night?

Many NFL teams choose to hold out their starting quarterback for the entire preseason.

"Do I expect from past scenarios a deviation from the last two years?" McDaniel. said. "I don't think you'll be surprised."

So, no Tua does not seem likely to play Friday.

And yes, Mike White and/or Skylar Thompson are likely to play Friday.

The plan will be finalized by the coaching staff on Thursday.

What Mike McDaniel said about Dolphins' plan for preseason opener.

Some NFL teams choose to play their quarterback some in the preseason. One thing Tua has going for him is he's actually been in the same system for a third straight season.

McDaniel said the race between White and Thompson was close last season.

"Each individual is better than where they were last year," McDaniel said.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tua Tagovailoa preseason plan; when will he play for Miami Dolphins?