Mike McDaniel has an idea of who will be the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins in their game against the Tennessee Titans on Monday night, but he is keeping it to himself for now.
When asked about the quarterback situation, the Dolphins’ coach said Thursday that it’s “premature for a multitude of reasons” to name a starter, mentioning competitive advantage as one of those reasons.
“A lot has gone on the last 48 hours,” McDaniel explained. “Instead of wishing something into existence, I’ll let it play out. The quarterbacks that will be participating today will get good opportunities, and as the week goes on, I’ll be sure to announce it when we know.”
With Tua Tagovailoa out for several more weeks due to a concussion, the Dolphins used backup Skylar Thompson last week against Seattle.
However, Thompson also got hurt, and his availability against Tennessee is uncertain because of a rib injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday and seemed to be in pain while jogging.
If Thompson can’t start again, Tim Boyle and newcomer Tyler “Snoop” Huntley will be the options for Miami.
McDaniel chose Boyle when Thompson went down last Sunday, partly because he didn’t want to rush Huntley into the game after just signing with the team last Tuesday. The coach said he is feeling “very, very encouraged” about Huntley’s understanding of the offense.
Huntley has received praise from his former Ravens teammates when he stepped in for an injured Lamar Jackson, and his new teammates with the Dolphins feel similarly confident.
“For me, I’ve seen it. I’ve been watching film of him since he got here,” receiver Tyreek Hill said. “And I’m like, this dude can make every throw. This dude is special with his legs. He’s a special talent.”
Huntley added, “I just hope I continue to build toward their confidence, and I plan to.”
This will be the second week in a row that the Titans (0-3) head into a game not knowing who the other team’s starting quarterback will be. Tennessee was unsure about Green Bay’s starter Jordan Love until game day, when the Packers decided to scratch him about 90 minutes before kickoff due to a knee injury.
