The Miami Dolphins are keeping their cards close to the vest regarding the availability of star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for next week’s critical regular-season finale against the New York Jets. Tagovailoa missed Sunday’s 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns due to a hip injury suffered in Week 15 that he aggravated last week against the San Francisco 49ers.
Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters after the game that while surgery is not currently in the plans for Tagovailoa, he has “no idea” if the third-year signal-caller will be able to play in Week 18. The Dolphins can clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Jets combined with a Denver Broncos loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ultimately, he absolutely wanted to play. It wasn’t a pain tolerance thing; that was not in the equation for him…The main thing was that he not only was super susceptible to a much more significant injury based upon that injury, if he were to fall in harm’s way, but a major factor was the lack of strength due to the injury and his inability as we forecast to protect himself and his teammates within the pocket doing the things that he normally has to do.
– Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on Tua Tagovailoa’s injury status
Huntley Impresses in Spot Start
With Tagovailoa sidelined, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley drew the start against Cleveland and delivered an impressive performance. The former Baltimore Raven completed 22-of-26 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown while adding 53 rushing yards and another score on the ground. It marked Huntley’s fourth start of the season.
I actually know what the motions are, and I’ve got a good feel of the plays right now. So, yeah, a couple weeks in the offense, it definitely makes a difference.
– Tyler Huntley on his increased comfort level in Miami’s offense
Playoff Hopes Alive But Help Needed
Sunday’s victory improved the Dolphins’ record to 8-8 on the season, keeping their playoff hopes alive heading into the final week. In addition to beating the Jets, Miami will need the heavily-favored Chiefs to defeat the Broncos in order to clinch the AFC’s final Wild Card spot.
The Dolphins have now made the postseason in each of the past two seasons but are hoping to avoid missing the tournament in what was supposed to be a breakout year for Tagovailoa and the offense. The third-year quarterback has already set career highs in passing yards (3,548) and touchdowns (24) despite missing five games.
- Dolphins playoff scenarios entering Week 18:
- MIA win + DEN loss = Dolphins clinch playoff berth
- MIA loss OR DEN win = Dolphins eliminated
It’s never over until it’s over. There’s always opportunity and who knows — I mean it might not happen. That’s part of it. But we’ve got to go out there in the ballpark and if it does happen, look out. We coming.
– Dolphins DE Calais Campbell on team’s playoff chances
Tagovailoa’s Injury-Plagued Season
Tagovailoa entered the 2022 season with high expectations after a promising second year, but injuries have largely derailed his and the Dolphins’ campaign. He missed two games earlier in the season with a concussion and battled through a back injury.
When healthy, the former Alabama star has played some of the best football of his young career. He has five games with 3+ touchdown passes, including a six-TD explosion against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. Tagovailoa’s passer rating of 112.0 ranks third in the NFL.
| Games | Pass Yds | Pass TD | INT | Rating |
| 13 | 3,548 | 24 | 8 | 112.0 |
The Dolphins are hoping to have their franchise quarterback available for the biggest game of the season next week. Even if Tagovailoa isn’t at 100%, his presence could provide a big emotional lift for a Miami team with its backs against the wall.
McDaniel said the team will continue to monitor Tagovailoa’s progress throughout the week. A lot can change over the next few days, but for now, Dolphins fans will have to wait with bated breath to see if their star QB will be ready to go for a win-or-go-home Week 18 clash.
