The Miami Dolphins find themselves facing a challenging quarterback situation with their mainstay, Tua Tagovailoa, sidelined on injured reserve. With Skylar Thompson now dealing with a day-to-day rib injury, head coach Mike McDaniel is weighing his options carefully.
McDaniel underscored the importance of the next 48 hours in evaluating Thompson's status, indicating that these moments will be crucial in determining the quarterback’s ability to play in the upcoming game. "I think we have an important 48 hours to kind of see where he's at," McDaniel stated, emphasizing the pressing nature of the team’s current predicament.
If Thompson is unable to suit up, the Dolphins may turn to either Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley, both of whom are on the active roster. Boyle stepped in during Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks after Thompson exited in the third quarter due to injury. In his emergency role, Boyle completed 7 of 13 passes for 79 yards. Prior to his injury, Thompson had completed 13 of 19 passes for 107 yards.
With Thompson's status still in flux, the Dolphins are also assessing Tyler Huntley’s readiness to lead the offense. The coaching staff, while pragmatic, is cautious about making a hasty decision. McDaniel remarked, "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."
McDaniel acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the current situation. "It was going to be difficult for a guy that's getting there on Tuesday to lead the offense," he noted, referring to the complexities of integrating a new quarterback into the game plan on such short notice. This sentiment was echoed when Boyle took over in the recent game, with McDaniel admitting, "Tim obviously was the better option on that day."
The depth of the Dolphins' quarterback room is proving to be a crucial asset. "That's important, to have depth at that position, which we're finding out in the absolute most difficult way," McDaniel observed, alluding to the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the necessity for a robust roster.
As they await conclusive updates on Thompson's condition, the Dolphins are formulating their strategy to navigate this period without relying heavily on practice squad elevations. This approach aims to maintain team stability and readiness despite the ongoing uncertainties.
The next few days will be vital for the Dolphins as they look to clarify their quarterback situation. McDaniel's measured approach reflects his commitment to making the best possible decision for the team. "Those conversations will continue," he concluded, highlighting the continuous and evolving nature of these crucial evaluations.