The Miami Dolphins will start rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson in Week 18 against the New York Jets.
Per McDaniel, Skylar Thompson will start on Sunday
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 6, 2023
Thompson, who finished the team’s game in Week 17 against the New England Patriots, is being forced into the starting lineup because of injuries to Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater.
Tagovailoa is dealing with a concussion that he suffered in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers. Bridgewater, who was injured against the Patriots last week, has been struggling with a finger injury.
Thompson appears to be the Dolphins’ best option at quarterback given the injuries. The seventh-round draft pick has appeared in six games for the Dolphins this season, making one start.
The rookie, who played his college ball at Kansas State University, has thrown for 382 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions so far this season. The Dolphins lost his lone start of the 2022 campaign.
Miami needs some help to get into the playoffs this season after losing five consecutive games to fall to 8-8. The Dolphins don’t have the tiebreaker against the New England Patriots, so they are currently the No. 8 seed in the AFC.
If the Dolphins beat the Jets and the Buffalo Bills beat the Patriots, Miami would make the playoffs. Luckily for Miami, Buffalo has an incentive to win and grab the No. 1 seed in the AFC in Week 18.
The Jets are starting quarterback Joe Flacco in Week 18 against Miami. He’s just 1-2 as a starter for the team this season.
The Dolphins might lean on their running game with Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. with Thompson under center. Mike McDaniel is going to have to scheme ways to get the ball to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as well if Miami wants any chance at winning in Week 18.
Thompson has been up and down for Miami in his limited appearances. In Week 17 against the Patriots, he completed 12 of his 21 passes for 104 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
If the Dolphins do make the playoffs, there is no guarantee that Tagovailoa or Bridgewater will be good to go for the first round.
