The Miami Dolphins face several uncertainties heading into their regular-season finale, starting with their quarterback situation.
Coach Mike McDaniel said the Dolphins are in a “gray area” with Tua Tagovailoa after he was ruled out for Sunday’s win over Cleveland due to a hip injury.
McDaniel explained that Tagovailoa’s body didn’t respond well to the injury he suffered in Week 15 against Houston, and the coach is unsure about his availability for the rest of the season.
“Where does that leave us? Firmly in the unknown,” McDaniel said Monday. He also mentioned that playing against Cleveland wouldn’t have been safe for Tagovailoa.
“It was not safe at all,” McDaniel said, explaining that Tagovailoa’s body was vulnerable to further injury, and his inability to move effectively in the pocket left him unprotected.
Here’s what’s clear: If the Dolphins beat the New York Jets on Sunday and Kansas City defeats Denver, Miami will make the playoffs after starting the season 2-6. However, Kansas City may rest many of their starters, including Patrick Mahomes, which could affect the outcome.
Regardless, McDaniel said the team is focused on the Jets.
“It’s a very clear message to the team that we’ve been afforded the opportunity to execute upon,” he said. “When you dig a hole within the season that you have to get yourself out of, and then you’re faced with the reality that you need to take care of business and you need some help, you learn quickly that any time spent on the help is not benefitting the desired goal.”
Tyler “Snoop” Huntley will take more practice reps than Tagovailoa this week, and McDaniel is preparing game plans for both possibilities.
Huntley gained McDaniel’s trust with a strong performance against Cleveland. In his fourth start this season, Huntley completed 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards, with one rushing touchdown and one passing touchdown. It was his best start for the Dolphins since being signed earlier in the season when Tagovailoa went on injured reserve with a concussion.
“I do feel good,” Huntley said after the game. “I actually feel more comfortable with these plays. So yeah, a couple weeks in the office definitely makes a difference.”
