Posted on Jan 03
Tua Tagovailoa unlikely to play in finale due to hip injury; Tyler Huntley to start
u/alex •
Tua Tagovailoa is unlikely to play in the Dolphins' regular season finale due to a hip injury.
Why it matters: The Dolphins need a win against the Jets to secure a playoff berth, and Tagovailoa's absence could significantly impact their chances.
- Tagovailoa has missed a total of six games this season, the most in his NFL career.
- Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is expected to start in Tagovailoa's place.
What's new: Coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that Tagovailoa's hip injury is not a bone or bruising issue but a unique muscle issue.
- Huntley previously made three starts earlier in the season while Tagovailoa was on injured reserve with a concussion.
- In his fourth start last week, Huntley had an impressive performance, completing 84.6% of his passes for 225 yards and a touchdown.
Yes, but: While Huntley's strong showing provides some confidence, the Dolphins will miss Tagovailoa's experience and leadership on the field.
- The importance of securing a playoff spot adds pressure to the situation.
What to watch: Keep an eye on how Huntley handles the starting role and whether he can replicate last week's success.
- The Dolphins overall offensive strategy may also shift without Tagovailoa under center.
What's next: The Dolphins will focus on winning their final regular season game against the Jets to secure a playoff berth.
- The team will closely monitor Tagovailoa's recovery and make decisions accordingly for potential postseason participation.
The bottom line: Tagovailoa's absence due to a hip injury presents a significant challenge for the Dolphins as they aim to secure a playoff spot in their final game of the regular season against the Jets. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will need to step up and deliver a strong performance to fill Tagovailoa's shoes. The outcome of this game will determine the Dolphins' postseason fate.