The Miami Dolphins are preparing for the possibility of Tua Tagovailoa being out for an extended period following his fourth diagnosed concussion. The team has signed former Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler Huntley from the Browns’ practice squad in light of this situation.
Skylar Thompson is expected to lead the Dolphins in their upcoming road game against the Seahawks, but Huntley may also play a significant role, according to reports. The uncertainty surrounding Tagovailoa’s return raises concerns about his future in the sport, as this marks his third concussion in the NFL.
Though some have suggested that Tagovailoa consider retirement due to these health concerns, he has expressed no intention to step away from football. He has started consultations with specialists regarding his next steps.
As the Dolphins navigate Tagovailoa’s absence, Thompson will take the initial reins, with Huntley available as a backup option. The Dolphins also have former Jets quarterback Tim Boyle on their practice squad, but he is not viewed as a viable solution.
Huntley, who is 26 years old, has appeared in just 20 NFL games, recording eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. However, he demonstrated his ability to manage an offense during his tenure with the Ravens, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. In contrast, Tagovailoa is known for his traditional pocket-passing style, and the team is structured around utilizing its talented receivers and the running strategies devised by head coach Mike McDaniel.
In 2022, Huntley made the Pro Bowl after playing in six games, where he threw two touchdown passes and added one on the ground. He began this season with the Browns before moving to their practice squad.
Whether Huntley will take the starting position will largely depend on Thompson’s performance in the coming weeks. Thompson, a seventh-round pick in 2022, has played in eight career games but has thrown only one touchdown. The Dolphins felt confident in his abilities enough to move on from former Jet Mike White earlier this offseason.
Currently, the Dolphins hold a (1-1) record and are 6.5-point underdogs against the unbeaten Seahawks according to FanDuel. Coach McDaniel commented on Thompson’s capabilities during training camp, noting that he had consistently impressed with his technical skills, fundamentals, and decision-making.