The Miami Dolphins are preparing for the possibility of Tua Tagovailoa being sidelined for a significant period. The team has brought in former Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley from the Browns’ practice squad after Tagovailoa sustained his fourth diagnosed concussion last week, as reported by NFL Network.
Skylar Thompson is expected to be the starting quarterback for Sunday’s away game against the Seahawks, but Huntley may also have a role, according to the report.
There are serious questions regarding whether Tagovailoa will make a return this season, or even again in his career, following his third concussion during last Thursday’s game against the Bills. While some have suggested he should consider retirement, Tagovailoa is reportedly not contemplating that option and has begun discussions with specialists about his future.
In the interim, the Dolphins will strive to remain competitive, with Thompson taking on the starting role and Huntley available as a backup option.
The Dolphins also have former Jets quarterback Tim Boyle on their practice squad, though that option isn’t seen as viable by many fans familiar with his performance.
At 26 years old, Huntley has appeared in 20 NFL games, accumulating eight touchdown passes and seven interceptions, but he has demonstrated the ability to manage an offense during his tenure with the Ravens. He is known for his dual-threat capabilities, which could allow for a different style of offense similar to that of Lamar Jackson.
Tagovailoa is considered a traditional pocket passer, and Miami’s offensive strategy revolves around utilizing their star receivers in conjunction with Mike McDaniel’s running scheme.
Huntley earned his Pro Bowl selection in 2022 after participating in six games, four of which he started, throwing two touchdown passes and adding another on the ground. He joined the Browns this season and was later placed on their practice squad.
Huntley’s role as a starter will likely be contingent on Thompson’s performance in the upcoming weeks. Thompson, a seventh-round pick in 2022, has played in eight games, with only one touchdown pass to his name. Still, the Dolphins made a confident decision to part ways with former Jet Mike White in favor of Thompson this offseason.
The Dolphins, currently holding a 1-1 record, enter their game against the unbeaten Seahawks as 6.5-point underdogs according to FanDuel. Coach Mike McDaniel expressed confidence in Thompson’s capabilities based on his practice performance, highlighting the player’s technique, fundamentals, and decision-making during the competition leading up to the final game.