A lot still needs to happen in order for the Miami Dolphins to secure a playoff spot. They need to beat the New York Jets in their season finale on Sunday and see the Kansas City Chiefs earn a victory over the Denver Broncos as well.
Now, there may be another obstacle on the horizon. Even if all the stars align for the Dolphins and they qualify for the playoffs yet again under head coach Mike McDaniel, they could be without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for their wild-card contest. Tagovailoa is dealing with a hip injury that sidelined him for Miami’s blowout win over the Cleveland Browns last week.
“Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is unlikely to play in Sunday’s must-win game against the New York Jets due to a unique hip injury, which is affecting the surrounding muscles and therefore his strength and mobility, along with leaving him vulnerable to further injury, sources say,” NFL insider Ian Rapoport wrote.
“It’s why Tagovailoa has been unable to gain the medical clearance he seeks to be on the field for a game that could potentially get Miami into the playoffs if the Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
“While Tagovailoa has pushed to play when his teammates need him most, sources say, it’s not a given the QB would be cleared next week if the Dolphins advance to Super Wild Card Weekend.”
McDaniel called it a “unique muscle issue” on Friday, and Rapoport added some more context.
“That unique muscle issue is what presents the concern, as Tagovailoa does risk making the injury far worse by playing before the swelling subsides and muscle tearing in the area heals,” Rapoport wrote. “If it was only a pain issue, Tagovailoa made clear he would be playing.”
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley started against the Browns in place of the injured Tagovailoa and managed to hold down the fort at the all-important quarterback position. He totaled 225 passing yards and one passing touchdown to go along with 52 rushing yards and a score on seven carries, and Miami scored 20 points with him leading the offense.
It was Miami’s best offensive performance with Huntley as its starting signal-caller this season. The Dolphins didn’t muster more than 15 points in any of his first three starts of the 2024 regular season.
The Dolphins’ win over the Browns marked their second win of the campaign with Huntley starting at quarterback. The former Baltimore Ravens player also led Miami to a victory over the lowly New England Patriots all the way back in October.
While Huntley has been solid in spurts when his number has been called this season, Miami’s offense has clearly been at its best when Tagovailoa’s been healthy and spearheading the team.
The squad has had some prolific offensive performances with Tagovailoa in the lineup, and he’s started in six of the team’s eight wins so far.
But fans of the Dolphins should focus on Miami checking the boxes it needs to check on Sunday in order to make the playoffs before they worry about Tagovailoa’s injury status for a game that the team might not qualify for. Miami ending the regular season with a win and record of 9-8 would be a good step in the right direction toward a playoff berth.
