In a season marred by quarterback instability, the Miami Dolphins suffered another setback as starter Tyler Huntley exited Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with a right shoulder injury. According to a team spokesperson, Huntley will not return to the game, leaving recently signed backup Tim Boyle to take the reins of the offense.
Huntley’s Injury Adds to Dolphins’ QB Woes
The injury occurred midway through the third quarter when Huntley was hit as he threw an incomplete pass. Visibly in pain, the quarterback was escorted to the locker room by the Dolphins’ medical staff. Prior to the injury, Huntley had completed 7 of 13 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown to tight end Jonnu Smith, his first passing TD of the season.
Huntley’s exit marks the latest chapter in the Dolphins’ ongoing quarterback saga. Starter Tua Tagovailoa, who signed a massive four-year, $212.1 million contract extension this offseason, has been on injured reserve for the past four games after suffering a concussion in Week 2. Third-year quarterback Skylar Thompson initially stepped in for Tagovailoa but was knocked out of Miami’s Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks with a rib injury and has not played since.
Boyle Steps In, Thompson Remains Emergency Option
With Huntley sidelined and Tagovailoa still recovering, the Dolphins turn to Tim Boyle, who was signed to the active roster just a day before the game. Boyle, a fourth-year pro out of Eastern Kentucky, has spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions but has yet to establish himself as a reliable NFL starter.
Should Boyle also succumb to injury, the Dolphins’ emergency quarterback is none other than Skylar Thompson, who is still nursing a rib injury. The precarious situation underscores the importance of depth at the quarterback position and raises questions about the Dolphins’ preparedness for such scenarios.
Offensive Struggles Continue to Hamper Dolphins
The revolving door at quarterback has undoubtedly contributed to the Dolphins’ offensive woes this season. After boasting the NFL’s top-ranked offense just a year ago, Miami has struggled to find consistency and rhythm with its signal-callers. The team’s decision to invest heavily in Tagovailoa, despite his injury history, has come under scrutiny as the young quarterback continues to miss time.
It’s been a challenging year for our offense, particularly at the quarterback position. We have faith in the guys on our roster, but there’s no denying that the injuries have taken a toll. We’ll continue to evaluate our options and make the best decisions for the team moving forward.
– Dolphins head coach, per team sources
Looking Ahead: Uncertain Future for Dolphins QBs
As the Dolphins look to salvage their season, the health and performance of their quarterbacks will be under the microscope. With Tagovailoa’s return date still uncertain and Huntley’s status up in the air, the team may be forced to rely on the unproven Boyle or the banged-up Thompson for the foreseeable future.
The situation also raises long-term questions about the Dolphins’ quarterback room. Will Tagovailoa’s injuries continue to be a concern, and how might they impact his massive contract? Can Huntley establish himself as a reliable backup, or will his own injury woes persist? And what of Thompson and Boyle—are they capable of leading the offense if called upon?
As the season progresses, the Dolphins will need to address these questions and make difficult decisions about the future of their quarterback position. For now, the focus remains on navigating the current adversity and finding a way to win with the pieces they have in place.
Key Takeaways
- Tyler Huntley leaves game vs. Colts with right shoulder injury, will not return
- Backup Tim Boyle takes over as Tua Tagovailoa remains on IR
- Skylar Thompson, nursing rib injury, is emergency QB option
- Dolphins’ offensive struggles continue amid QB instability
- Long-term questions loom about health, reliability of Dolphins’ quarterbacks
As the Miami Dolphins navigate this latest quarterback challenge, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and whether they can overcome the adversity to salvage their season. The coming weeks will be critical as the Dolphins look to the healthy and production of their signal-callers to right the ship and restore their offensive prowess of a year ago.
