Tyler “Snoop” Huntley will get the start for the Miami Dolphins as the team looks to sneak into Super WildCard Weekend with a win over the New York Jets.
Tyler “Snoop” Huntley will start this Sunday for the Miami Dolphins as they travel to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to take on the New York Jets. Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa confirmed during their Friday media availability. It will be Huntley’s second-consecutive start and his fifth of the year. While Tagovailoa will miss his sixth start this season — the most of his NFL career.
Here’s what McDaniel said during the first portion of today’s media session after calling Tagovailoa’s availability for Sunday “unlikely.”
“It’s quite literally being able to have the strength to do what we ask him to do as well as protect himself from serious injury… I wouldn’t say it’s a bruise, but it’s kind of a unique muscle thing.”
McDaniel would say surgery was not an option for Tagovailoa and that it would improve with the necessary rest. Still, there was a tiny glimmer of hope that Miami’s starting quarterback might (?) play.
And then, about 15 minutes ago, Tagovailoa would meet with the media to confirm his status for Sunday’s game vs. the Jets, but he wouldn’t close the door on the postseason if Miami were to sneak in.
Tua Tagovailoa says if cards fall in Dolphins favor he plans to play in playoffs “no ifs, ands or buts about it.”
Tua felt he could have played last week but wasn’t medically cleared.
“Hell yeah I’m frustrated,” with injury limiting him in safety to play.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) January 3, 2025
Through 11 games, Tagovailoa has completed a league-leading 72.9% of his passes for 2,867 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The Dolphins are 6-5 when Tua is the starting quarterback.
No matter what happens for the rest of the season, the Dolphins have quite a decision to make regarding their “franchise quarterback.” Because, as a wise man once said, the best ability is availability. And as of today, the Miami Dolphins — and their fanbase — can not rely on Tua Tagovailoa for a full NFL season. No matter how meaningful those games might be in late December and January.
EDIT: 4:05 PM EDT:
I’m too scared to read the comments, but here’s a better quote from Tua indicating that he will not play on Sunday.
“Yeah, it’s tough. It’s tough for any competitor to have to sit out when the season is on the line and you know you can do more, but that just tells you how much trust and respect that we have for ‘Snoop’ (Tyler Huntley). The defense has been balling as well, so looking forward to what our guys can do this Sunday and we’ll see how the cards fall and how they play out.”
What are your thoughts on Tua Tagovailoa’s hip injury? Are you #mad that he can’t play ONCE AGAIN in a must-win game at the end of the season? Do you think Tyler Huntley and the Dolphins can sneak into the postseason? Better yet, do you WANT the Dolphins to make it to Super WildCard Weekend to take on the Buffalo Bills? Let us know in the comments section below!