The Miami Dolphins are facing a critical juncture in their quarterback lineup as Tua Tagovailoa remains sidelined on injured reserve. The team's challenge deepens with Skylar Thompson, their potential starter, being day-to-day due to a rib injury.
Head coach Mike McDaniel has underscored the significance of the next 48 hours in determining Thompson's status. "I think we have an important 48 hours to kind of see where he's at," McDaniel stated, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
Should Thompson be unable to play, the Dolphins are prepared to consider their other options: Tim Boyle and Tyler Huntley, both on the active roster. Boyle recently stepped in when Thompson exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. During his time on the field, Boyle managed 7 completions out of 13 attempts, totaling 79 passing yards.
Before his injury, Thompson had completed 13 of 19 passes, accumulating 107 yards. With Thompson's availability uncertain, McDaniel emphasized the necessity of evaluating Huntley's readiness to lead the offense.
"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 remarked, indicating the fluid nature of the decision-making process.
Depth and Decisions
The Dolphins have prided themselves on having significant depth at the quarterback position, a sentiment McDaniel echoed. "That's important, to have depth at that position, which we're finding out in the absolute most difficult way," he commented.
This depth has been tested repeatedly this season, and the coaching staff is keenly aware of the complexities involved in quarterback readiness. "It was going to be difficult for a guy that's getting there on Tuesday to lead the offense," McDaniel noted, acknowledging the challenges of bringing in new players on short notice.
With Tim Boyle stepping in against the Seahawks, his performance was measured but adequate under the circumstances. "Tim obviously was the better option on that day," McDaniel admitted, highlighting Boyle's immediate utility in the game scenario.
Strategic Approach
The Dolphins are actively avoiding the necessity to rely on practice squad elevations, which adds another layer of complexity to their strategic planning. Cautiously pragmatic, McDaniel is considering all options as they await conclusive updates on Thompson's condition.
"Those conversations will continue," McDaniel said, signaling ongoing discussions within the coaching staff and amongst the players. These dialogues are crucial as the team navigates the precarious landscape of their current quarterback predicament.
The next few days will be pivotal for the Dolphins. As they continue to evaluate their options and monitor Thompson's recovery, the team remains focused on making the best possible decision for their quarterback position.