After winning seven of their last eight games following a discouraging 1-4 start to the 2016-17 season, the Miami Dolphins (8-5) currently have a great shot to make the playoffs and do some damage in the process.
However, with the news of rising star Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill suffering a potentially serious injury to his left ACL and MCL during the third quarter of the team’s 26-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Miami’s playoff hopes appeared to take a massive hit.
There’s still plenty to feel good about for Miami fans, even if Tannehill has to miss multiple games. Here are nine reasons that point to the Dolphins making the playoffs this year for the first time since the 2008-09 season.
1. Ryan Tannehill’s Knee Injury Isn’t That Serious
Tannehill was hit low by Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell while stepping into a throw on Sunday. Campbell apologized for the hit, citing his size and how fast he was going at the time of the collision.
“In football, injuries happen too often,” Campbell said. “You try and eliminate them from the game, it’s never on purpose. You are playing as hard as you can and bad things happen sometimes. I’m glad it wasn’t as bad as it originally seemed. I’m definitely hoping he comes back this year. They’re a good team and there is a lot riding on it. So I’m praying for him.”
Ryan Tannehill with Mike Pouncey, Branden Albert, and Jarvis Landry after leaving the field with a knee injury. pic.twitter.com/JrDymSQUNJ
— mfr24 (@rfm432) December 11, 2016
Fortunately, Tannehill’s knee injury was diagnosed as mere sprain on Monday and the quarterback could return as early as Week 17 when Miami hosts the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium.
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