The Miami Dolphins are facing a complicated and precarious quarterback situation with their star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa currently sidelined on injured reserve. The team has been forced to explore every available option as they navigate the season with the ever-present challenge of maintaining a strong offensive presence.
Currently, Skylar Thompson is dealing with a rib injury and his status remains day-to-day. Head coach Mike McDaniel has underscored the significance of the next 48 hours in determining Thompson’s availability for upcoming games. McDaniel stated, “I think we have an important 48 hours to kind of see where he's at.”
If Thompson is unable to play, the Dolphins have two potential candidates who could step in: Tim Boyle and Tyler Huntley. Both quarterbacks are currently on the active roster, offering the team some much-needed depth during this critical period. Boyle had already taken the reins when Thompson was injured during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Boyle’s performance was notable; he completed 7 of his 13 pass attempts, totaling 79 yards. Meanwhile, Thompson had managed to complete 13 of 19 passes for 107 yards before exiting the game due to his injury.
McDaniel remains cautiously pragmatic about the decision-making process that lies ahead. He highlighted the need for ongoing evaluations, stating, “We have to get in front of the rest of the quarterback room and talk with them. We'll just have to take it a day at a time. There's a lot on the table.” The coaching staff will need to carefully consider all options, keeping a close eye on Thompson’s recovery and assessing the readiness of Boyle and Huntley to potentially lead the offense.
The Dolphins are also evaluating Tyler Huntley’s preparedness to step into the quarterback role. McDaniel elucidated the complexities involved, emphasizing that, “It was going to be difficult for a guy that's getting there on Tuesday to lead the offense.” In selecting Boyle to step in mid-game on Sunday, McDaniel remarked, “Tim obviously was the better option on that day.”
Depth at the quarterback position has proven crucial for the Dolphins, especially under these trying circumstances. McDaniel acknowledged this reality, noting, “That's important, to have depth at that position, which we're finding out in the absolute most difficult way.” This depth is allowing Miami the flexibility to adapt without resorting to practice squad elevations, which can disrupt team dynamics and cohesion.
As the Dolphins await conclusive updates on Thompson’s condition, McDaniel stresses the importance of continued dialogue and assessments. “Those conversations will continue,” he confirmed, highlighting the dynamic and fluid nature of the situation. The team’s strategy to avoid over-reliance on practice squad elevations further underscores their calculated approach in managing their roster during these challenging times.
The coming days will be pivotal for the Dolphins as they look to finalize their quarterback plans and maintain their competitive edge. With a pragmatic outlook and a deep pool of talent, Miami is positioning itself to navigate this challenging period with resilience and strategic foresight. The Dolphins’ ability to pivot and adapt will be tested, but McDaniel’s leadership and emphasis on thorough evaluations signify a methodical path forward for the team.