The Miami Dolphins are poised to enter their crucial Week 18 matchup against the New York Jets without their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Head coach Mike McDaniel has indicated that the team is preparing for backup quarterback Skylar Thompson, not Snoop Huntley, to start against the Jets, while Tagovailoa will participate in practice but only on a limited basis. This decision comes as Tagovailoa continues to recover from a hip injury sustained against the Houston Texans and aggravated against the San Francisco 49ers. The injury sidelined him for the Dolphins’ Week 17 victory against the Cleveland Browns, a game in which Thompson performed admirably and secured a much-needed win for Miami.
Tagovailoa’s availability for Week 18 has been shrouded in uncertainty, with McDaniel describing his recovery as a “gray area.” While the initial hope was for a quicker return, the healing process has been slower than anticipated. This leaves the Dolphins in a precarious position heading into a game with significant playoff implications. Starting a backup quarterback, even one who has shown flashes of competence, in a must-win scenario is a gamble, but McDaniel seems confident in Thompson’s ability to lead the team. The decision underscores the delicate balance between prioritizing Tagovailoa’s long-term health and the immediate need for a victory to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The Week 18 clash against the Jets carries immense weight for the Dolphins. Their playoff aspirations hang in the balance, contingent upon a victory against the Jets and a Kansas City Chiefs win over the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins’ victory over the Browns kept their postseason hopes flickering, demonstrating their resilience and ability to compete even without their starting quarterback. A win against the Jets, coupled with a Chiefs victory, would secure the Dolphins the seventh seed in the AFC playoff picture. The Jets, coming off a demoralizing defeat against the Buffalo Bills, present a seemingly opportune matchup for Miami, but the absence of Tagovailoa adds a layer of complexity and uncertainty to the game.
Skylar Thompson, who started Week 17, will be stepping into the spotlight once again while Tagovailoa continues, to recover and Snoop Huntley remains out due to injury. While Huntley took over the starting role in several games earlier in the season when Tagovailoa was sidelined with concussions, it appears Thompson now has earned the coaching staff’s trust. In his first NFL start against the Browns, he impressed, completing 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing 52 rushing yards and another touchdown. His poise and efficiency in a high-pressure situation suggest that he may be more than capable of leading the Dolphins to victory against the Jets.
Previously, Huntley’s stint as the starting quarterback during Tagovailoa’s concussion-related absence showcased a mixed bag of results. The Dolphins went 1-2 in those games, with Huntley’s performance marked by inconsistencies. He completed 59.1% of his passes for 377 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, also contributing on the ground with 67 rushing yards and a touchdown. His time as a starter was cut short by a shoulder injury sustained in a loss against the Indianapolis Colts, landing him on injured reserve. This opened the door for rookie Skylar Thompson to step in as the backup, before eventually earning the starting spot in Week 18.
The Dolphins’ decision to start Skylar Thompson underscores the team’s evolving quarterback situation. While Tagovailoa remains the undisputed starter when healthy, the performances of both Thompson and previously Huntley have provided valuable depth and experience. Thompson’s strong showing against the Browns has given the coaching staff confidence in his ability to manage the game effectively and potentially lead the team to a crucial victory. The Dolphins are now heading into a decisive Week 18 game with a backup quarterback at the helm, hoping to secure a playoff berth and demonstrate their resilience in the face of adversity.
