Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback, was limited during Wednesday’s practice due to a right hip injury that had caused him to miss Week 17. During the portion of practice open to reporters, Tagovailoa participated in light activities such as stretching, jogging, and tossing a football a few yards to backup quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel indicated that Huntley would be getting more practice reps in preparation for their crucial game against the New York Jets, which the Dolphins need to win in order to remain in contention for the AFC’s final wild-card spot.
McDaniel emphasized the need for a focused approach leading up to the game against the Jets, treating Huntley as the potential starter for now, but leaving room for adjustments as the week progresses. The Dolphins’ playoff hopes also rely on a loss by the Denver Broncos to the Kansas City Chiefs, who have already secured the AFC’s top seed. McDaniel expressed confidence in his team’s progress throughout the season and their ability to perform well in this important game, underscoring that their playoff opportunity is directly tied to their performance in this matchup.
Tagovailoa’s injury occurred when he took a hit outside the pocket against Houston on December 15, and the injury was aggravated in the following week’s game against San Francisco. While it’s the same hip he dislocated while at Alabama in 2019, which required surgery, McDaniel clarified that the current injury is not the same as the previous one. Despite the injury, Tagovailoa has not been ruled out for the game against the Jets, although his participation remains uncertain.
If Tagovailoa is unable to play, Huntley would make his second consecutive start for the Dolphins, marking his fifth start overall for the team. Huntley was signed off the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad after Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve due to a concussion in September. Huntley has already shown his capabilities, completing 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards with one touchdown passing and another rushing in a win over the Cleveland Browns the previous week. His mobility also adds a dynamic element to Miami’s offense, as he led the team in rushing yards against Cleveland.
Huntley also brings significant experience, having played against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in 2021 when he replaced the injured Lamar Jackson. Despite a narrow loss, Huntley nearly led the Ravens to a comeback victory, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure in big games. McDaniel has expressed confidence in Huntley’s leadership abilities, noting that he quickly earned the trust of his teammates with his preparation and bold play during the Browns game. Huntley’s ability to extend plays with his legs and his leadership qualities make him a capable fill-in if Tagovailoa is unable to play.
