The Miami Dolphins are navigating a tumultuous period with their quarterback situation as Tua Tagovailoa remains sidelined on injured reserve, leaving the team in a precarious position. Skylar Thompson's status is also uncertain as he deals with a rib injury, making the next 48 hours crucial for the Dolphins' decision-making process.
"I think we have an important 48 hours to kind of see where he's at," head coach Mike McDaniel stated. The pressure is on to evaluate Thompson's condition and determine whether he can step back onto the field. With Thompson's availability up in the air, the Dolphins must consider alternative options.
If Thompson is unable to play, the team will look towards Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley, both of whom are currently on the active roster. Last Sunday, during a challenging game against the Seattle Seahawks, Boyle was called upon when Thompson exited in the third quarter due to injury. Boyle completed 7 of 13 passes for 79 yards, stepping in at a critical moment.
"Tim obviously was the better option on that day," McDaniel acknowledged, reflecting on the situation. Before his injury, Thompson had completed 13 of 19 passes for 107 yards, showing a promising performance that was cut short.
The Dolphins are also assessing Tyler Huntley's readiness to take on the role of leading the offense. Given the depth of the quarterback position, McDaniel emphasized the importance of having multiple viable options. "That's important, to have depth at that position, which we're finding out in the absolute most difficult way," he noted.
McDaniel's approach to the decision-making process is one of cautious pragmatism. He understands the fluid nature of the situation and the need for thorough evaluation before reaching a definitive conclusion. "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 explained.
Adding to the complexity, McDaniel highlighted the challenges of integrating a new quarterback mid-season. "It was going to be difficult for a guy that's getting there on Tuesday to lead the offense," he remarked, indicating the practical difficulties faced when potentially bringing in external solutions.
Despite the hurdles, the Dolphins are committed to avoiding reliance on practice squad elevations, aiming instead to leverage their current roster's depth. As the team waits for conclusive updates on Thompson's condition, their strategy is to ensure the best possible preparation for any scenario.
McDaniel's composed demeanor and strategic thinking are evident as he navigates this difficult period. "Those conversations will continue," he affirmed, underlining the ongoing nature of the evaluations and discussions within the team. The coming days will be pivotal in determining the path forward for the Dolphins as they seek stability at the quarterback position amidst uncertainty.