In a development that could have major ramifications on the AFC playoff picture, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel revealed Friday that starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is “unlikely” to suit up for Sunday’s pivotal regular season finale against the New York Jets due to a nagging hip injury. The concerning news leaves backup Tyler “Snoop” Huntley as the probable starter with Miami’s postseason aspirations on the line.
Tua’s Tumultuous 2024 Campaign
Tagovailoa, who inked a lucrative four-year, $212.1 million extension with the Dolphins this past offseason after prolonged negotiations, has endured his most trying season to date in 2024. The oft-injured signal-caller has already missed five games – a career high – after playing a full slate the previous year.
The former Alabama standout initially suffered the hip ailment in Week 15’s tilt with the Houston Texans. Though he gutted through it the following week, Tagovailoa aggravated the injury in Miami’s Week 16 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, sidelining him for last Sunday’s win against the Cleveland Browns.
I think Tua wishes it was just a pain issue. It’s quite literally being able to have the strength to do what we ask him to do, as well as protecting himself from very serious injury if we don’t treat it appropriately.
– Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel
Huntley’s Chance to Shine
With Tagovailoa likely sidelined, the Dolphins will once again turn to journeyman backup Tyler Huntley. Signed off the Baltimore Ravens practice squad earlier this season, Huntley filled in admirably during Tua’s three-game absence while in concussion protocol, going 1-2 as a starter.
The former Utah Ute looked particularly sharp in relief of Tagovailoa last week, completing a sizzling 84.6% of his throws for 225 yards and a touchdown while adding 52 yards and another score on the ground. The stellar performance clearly bolstered the team’s confidence in their QB2 heading into this weekend’s win-and-in scenario.
It definitely helps with my confidence, and I know it plays even more for our team just knowing without the first guy, me being able to step in and just be able to do what I was able to do.
– Tyler Huntley on his Week 17 performance
Playoffs on the Line
The 9-7 Dolphins enter Sunday’s clash with their postseason fate in their own hands. A victory over the 6-10 Jets would secure a third consecutive playoff berth for the aqua and orange. However, a loss coupled with a Denver Broncos win over the Kansas City Chiefs would end Miami’s season on a sour note.
Though Tagovailoa’s injury is undoubtedly a huge blow to Miami’s playoff push, the Dolphins remain confident they have the talent and resolve to get the job done, even without their $212 million man. With weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle at his disposal, Huntley certainly has the horses to exploit a vulnerable Jets secondary ranked 28th against the pass.
A Murky Future Under Center?
Beyond this Sunday’s critical contest, Tagovailoa’s mounting injury history casts a shadow of uncertainty over his long-term future as Miami’s franchise quarterback. After displaying MVP-caliber form when healthy, the left-hander simply hasn’t been able to stay on the field consistently enough to reward the Dolphins’ huge financial commitment.
With capable backup Huntley providing a steadying presence and 2021 first-round flop Drew Lock still lurking on the roster, the 2025 offseason could see Miami’s quarterback room shaken up if Tagovailoa can’t turn the tide with his durability woes. For the uber-talented Tua, availability remains his greatest ability to unlock his true ceiling.
But before the Dolphins can ponder those weighty franchise-altering decisions, their sole focus lies on taking care of business against the Jets to keep their Super Bowl hopes afloat. It all comes down to sixty minutes on Sunday for Huntley and company with a playoff berth on the line. Will Miami rise to the occasion without their field general, or will Gang Green play the spoiler to put a stunning end to the Fins’ once-promising season? Buckle up, Dolfans – it’s go time.
