Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa Unlikely To Play in Week 18 Playoff Decider

The Miami Dolphins are unlikely to start star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa against the New York Jets on Sunday for Week 18. According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, “The #Dolphins are preparing for QB Snoop Huntley to start on Sunday against the #Jets, according to coach Mike McDaniel. Tua Tagovailoa will practice on a limited basis, however.”

More News: Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa in Danger of Missing Week 18, Miami Preparing Snoop Huntley to Start

Tagovailoa did not play in Week 17’s victory over the Cleveland Brown, in which the Dolphins dominated with a 20-3 final score.

Tagovailoa sustained a hip injury after taking a hit outside the pocket against the Houston Texans, and the issue worsened following a quarterback hit at midfield in the game against the San Francisco 49ers.

McDaniel described Tagovailoa’s condition as uncertain, labeling it a “gray area.” He emphasized that recovery would depend on time, but noted that Tagovailoa’s progress was slower than anticipated.

Week 18’s matchup against the New York Jets is a critical one for the Dolphins’ playoff chances, so not starting Tagovailoa is a risky move for McDaniel.

The Dolphins kept their playoff hopes alive with their victory over the Browns, showing they still belong in the postseason conversation. However, they’ll need some help to make those dreams a reality.

If the Chiefs defeat the Broncos, the Dolphins must then beat the Jets to secure a spot. Given the Jets’ recent 40-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins are in a strong position to come out on top in New York. With a win and a Chiefs victory, Miami would clinch the No. 7 seed in the playoffs.

While Tagovailoa may be the star QB, Huntley proved himself more than capable against the Browns last week, which presumably boosted McDaniel’s confidence to rest his starter.

Huntley started three games earlier this season for the Dolphins while Tagovailoa was sidelined with a concussion. Huntley was added to the roster in the first month of the season as a former Baltimore Ravens backup and struggled initially while learning a new offense.

During his three starts, Miami went 1-2, with Huntley completing 59.1% of his passes for 377 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries.

More News: NFL News: AFC Playoff Picture Gets More Complicated With Dolphins Win

Huntley’s run as the starting quarterback ended when he suffered a shoulder injury in a 16-10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, leading to him being placed on injured reserve. In his absence, rookie Skylar Thompson took over as the backup for a period before being placed on the practice squad (and re-elevated for Week 18).

Huntley played a key role in Miami’s 20-3 win over the Browns, delivering a solid performance in his fourth start of the season. He completed 22-of-26 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown while adding 52 rushing yards and another touchdown on seven carries.

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