Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson left midway through the third quarter during their 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks after sustaining a rib injury. The injury occurred on Miami’s second drive of the third quarter when Thompson took a hard hit, causing him to stay down for several minutes while being attended to by the medical staff.
Although he managed to leave the field under his own power, the full extent of his injury remains unknown. Head coach Mike McDaniel described it as a “pretty painful” rib injury, with more information expected after further evaluation on Monday.
Tim Boyle, the Dolphins’ third-string quarterback, replaced Thompson following the injury. Boyle was promoted from the practice squad earlier in the week after starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve.
McDaniel explained that Thompson tried to play through the pain but ultimately couldn’t continue. Boyle, stepping in unexpectedly, completed 7 of 9 passes for 79 yards and had a 6-yard scramble, helping the Dolphins piece together their best drive of the day, though they were unable to score a touchdown.
Before exiting the game, Thompson had completed 13 of 19 passes for 107 yards, but Miami’s offensive line struggled, leading to him being sacked five times. Despite the team’s offensive struggles, Boyle led a promising drive late in the game, only to fall short on a fourth-down play at Seattle’s 2-yard line.
Boyle reflected on the challenge of taking over in a difficult situation, emphasizing the importance of putting together positive plays to gain momentum, even though the Dolphins’ overall offense remained largely ineffective.
Heading into next week, the Dolphins face uncertainty at the quarterback position. If Thompson cannot play in their upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans, Boyle or newly acquired Tyler Huntley could potentially start.
Huntley, signed from the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, was inactive for the Seattle game but could be called upon if necessary. Boyle stated that his preparation wouldn’t change regardless of whether he starts, but the team’s quarterback decision is still pending Thompson’s health evaluation.
In addition to Thompson’s injury, the Dolphins were hit by other key losses on Sunday. Cornerback Kendall Fuller suffered a concussion, and left tackle Terron Armstead was sidelined with an eye injury.
Meanwhile, Tua Tagovailoa remains out after suffering a concussion in Week 2, leaving Miami without him for at least three more games. Although still in concussion protocol, Tagovailoa traveled with the team to Seattle, but his return to the field remains uncertain as the team focuses on his recovery.
