The Miami Dolphins placed Malik Willis on injured reserve Tuesday, forcing a quarterback change that will keep their starter out for at least four games.
Miami announced the move as part of a series of transactions that also sent defensive lineman Zach Sieler to IR and waived cornerback Reese Taylor. Kyle McCord is set to take over against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The decision follows a more specific diagnosis of the injury Willis had been managing. An MRI Monday revealed a core muscle injury, though Willis is not expected to miss the rest of the season.
And can independently confirm that Malik Willis is indeed going on IR today. MRI Monday revealed core muscle injury. Not expected to be season ending.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) November 10, 2026
Willis had acknowledged groin discomfort after Sunday’s loss to Detroit. Tuesday’s roster move changes the immediate outlook from monitoring that discomfort to preparing another quarterback for an extended stretch.
How long will Malik Willis be out?
Willis must miss Miami’s next four games: road trips to Indianapolis and Buffalo, a home matchup with the New York Jets and a visit to Denver. He will first be eligible to return for the Dec. 13 home game against the Chicago Bears.
That is an eligibility date, not a confirmed return date. The report that his injury is not expected to end his season leaves open a later comeback without establishing when he will be ready.
Kyle McCord gets his first NFL starting opportunity
McCord will become Miami’s starting quarterback, with Brady Cook on the practice squad.
McCord’s arrival in Miami came through an August trade with Green Bay that cost the Dolphins a 2028 sixth-round pick. Philadelphia selected him in the sixth round of the 2025 draft, and he produced 446 passing yards and four touchdown passes during his preseason with the Packers.
His move to Miami also reunited him with pass game coordinator Kevin Patullo, who had been his offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. That gives McCord a familiar coach as he prepares for a role considerably larger than the backup job Miami acquired him to fill.
| Quarterback | Current situation |
|---|---|
| Malik Willis | On injured reserve; must miss at least four games. |
| Kyle McCord | Set to start against Indianapolis. |
| Brady Cook | On the practice squad; a possible backup option. |
Cook’s practice-squad status remains a separate roster consideration. Having him in the organization gives Miami an option behind McCord, but it does not by itself confirm that he has been elevated or signed to the active roster for Sunday.
