The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a pivotal moment as they approach Week 18 with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. The burning question for Miami fans focuses squarely on their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. With head coach Mike McDaniel indicating that Tagovailoa won’t be suiting up due to ongoing injury concerns, it’s Tyler Huntley’s time to step in once again.
Last week, Huntley took the reins against the Cleveland Browns, managing to lead the Dolphins to victory. While the Browns weren’t exactly powerhouse opponents, a win is a win. Now, as they face off against the New York Jets, Dolphins fans are left wondering what might have been if their top quarterback wasn’t sidelined.
Tagovailoa has been vocal about his readiness, assuring the media on Friday that he believes he’s fit to play despite the medical staff’s caution. “I’ll be available next week if things go as expected,” Tagovailoa asserted, expressing confidence in his return while acknowledging the doctors’ directives that kept him benched recently.
While the organization seems patient with their former first-round pick, some fans are restless over his absence during these crucial matchups. It’s especially frustrating when the injuries seem to build upon each other, casting doubt over his long-term durability.
The Dolphins maintain that while Tagovailoa’s current hip injury affects the same hip as before, it’s in a different location. Nevertheless, the recurring nature of these injuries raises concerns about the overall strength and stability of that part of his body.
According to Miami management, the priority is ensuring Tagovailoa gets adequate rest, as they don’t view his injury as a persistent issue. Looking ahead to a potential playoff run, Tagovailoa stands firm in his belief that he’d be ready to lead if the Dolphins secure a spot.
For Miami to make it to the postseason, they not only need to defeat the Jets but also require a Denver Broncos loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. If those cards fall into place, the conversation around Tagovailoa’s readiness and his injury saga will undoubtedly ramp up once more.
Some may question whether Miami acted wisely in offering Tagovailoa a hefty contract extension, suggesting perhaps a more cautious approach could have been the better choice. Nonetheless, for now, all eyes are on the Dolphins as they fight to keep their playoff dreams alive.