Unexpected Twist: Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury Forces Dolphins to Turn to Tyler Huntley for Week 18
The Miami Dolphins are heading into Week 18 with their playoff hopes still alive, but they’re preparing to face the New York Jets without their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed Friday that Tagovailoa is unlikely to play due to a hip injury, putting backup quarterback Tyler Huntley in the spotlight for the second consecutive week.
Tagovailoa’s Injury Status
Tagovailoa’s hip injury has been a significant concern for the Dolphins. Despite participating in practice on a limited basis, he has officially been listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game. According to McDaniel, the team is preparing as though Huntley will start.
“We’ll approach it like Snoop’s starting,” McDaniel told reporters, using Huntley’s nickname. “It looks like the way I approached the week [before] was probably smart. I see it as unlikely that Tua will see any action.”
Tagovailoa expressed his frustration with the situation, saying he felt ready to play in Week 17 but was not medically cleared. He remains optimistic about returning if the Dolphins make it to the postseason. “No ifs, ands, or buts about it,” Tagovailoa said regarding his availability for a potential playoff game.
Tyler Huntley’s Performance and Preparation
In Week 17, Huntley showcased improvement, leading the Dolphins to a 20-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns. While the score suggests dominance, the game was closer than it appeared, with Huntley carrying much of the offensive burden. He led the team in rushing and demonstrated better command of McDaniel’s offense compared to his earlier relief appearances.
The added time to acclimate to McDaniel’s system seems to have paid off for Huntley, giving the Dolphins confidence heading into their final regular-season game. Facing a Jets team that is just 60 minutes away from the offseason, Huntley’s ability to execute under pressure will be critical.
Concerns About Tagovailoa’s Health
Tagovailoa’s hip injury is particularly troubling given his history of significant health issues, including a previous serious hip injury during his college career. McDaniel provided further insight into the nature of the injury, describing it as more than just a matter of pain tolerance.
“A bruise would be like pain tolerance,” McDaniel explained. “It’s quite literally being able to have the strength to do what we ask him to do, as well as protecting himself from very serious injury if we don’t treat it appropriately. It’s a unique muscle issue as a result of the hip.”
McDaniel emphasized that even if this were the Super Bowl, Tagovailoa’s status would still be uncertain due to the severity of his condition.
What’s at Stake for the Dolphins
The Dolphins need a win against the Jets and a Broncos loss to secure a path to the playoffs. Despite their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the team isn’t willing to risk further injury to their franchise quarterback.
A playoff berth would give Tagovailoa additional time to recover and potentially return to the field when it matters most. Anything less—a loss to the Jets or missing the postseason—would mark a disappointing end to a season filled with ups and downs.
Huntley’s Opportunity to Shine
This game presents a significant opportunity for Tyler Huntley. With the Dolphins’ postseason dreams on the line, his performance will be closely watched. Leading the offense against a Jets team looking to spoil Miami’s season could solidify Huntley’s reputation as a reliable backup quarterback.
For the Dolphins, it’s a delicate balance between protecting their long-term investment in Tagovailoa and pursuing immediate success. Huntley’s role as the starting quarterback in this critical matchup underscores the team’s commitment to both objectives.
Looking Ahead
The Dolphins’ strategy is clear: prioritize player health while staying competitive. With Tagovailoa sidelined, Huntley has the chance to prove himself under the spotlight. Meanwhile, the Dolphins and their fans will be hoping for a win, some favorable results in other games, and an optimistic outlook for their starting quarterback as they look to extend their season.
As Sunday approaches, all eyes will be on the Dolphins to see if they can overcome adversity and clinch a playoff spot. For Miami, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
