With Mike White currently in concussion protocol, there were some questions about the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback situation entering their final preseason game this weekend.
Any concerns can be put to rest now, as the team is bringing back James Blackman, according to head coach Mike McDaniel.
Mike McDaniel said the team is signing QB James Blackman back onto the roster.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 21, 2023
If White is unavailable this weekend, Blackman will give the Dolphins three healthy quarterbacks heading into their tune-up game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Tua Tagovailoa and Skylar Thompson being the others.
Blackman, a rookie, signed with the Dolphins several months ago before being waived earlier in August. He’s now back with the team for another shot, and he may very well get a chance to show off his abilities on Saturday against Jacksonville.
Tagovailoa seems unlikely to get significant playing time (if any), so the Dolphins may opt to split snaps between Thompson and Blackman.
The new signee had a lengthy college career that took him from Florida State University to Arkansas State University. He had some bright moments, and during his 2022 campaign at Arkansas State, he completed 64.3 percent of his passes for 2,471 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions over 11 games.
The 6-foot-5 quarterback isn’t a threat to run, so fans can expect him to rely on his arm this weekend if he gets a chance to show it off against the Jaguars. The Dolphins are 1-1 this preseason and will look to finish with a winning record of 2-1.
The odds seem stacked against Blackman to make the regular season roster, but if he turns some heads on Saturday, he may give the Dolphins something to think about. If nothing else, it’s a good opportunity for the rookie to prove to the league that he’s capable of competing against NFL talent.
Perhaps he will do enough to make Miami’s practice squad.
Miami is certainly hoping that White doesn’t remain in concussion protocol for an extended period of time, as the team signed him with a vision of giving Tua Tagovailoa a solid backup. Tagovailoa, of course, dealt with his own concussion troubles last season, so he can relate to what White is going through.
Once the Dolphins are done with their preseason slate, they’ll open up their 2023 regular season on Sept. 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
