The Miami Dolphins may only have one opportunity to keep their playoff dreams alive, and that opportunity relies on Tua Tagovailoa.
In Week 17, Miami faces a crucial must-win game against the Cleveland Browns, hoping to extend their playoff hopes for at least another week.
If Tua is unable to play, Tyler Huntley will take over as the starter. Huntley struggled earlier in the season when he had to step in for an injured Skylar Thompson, but he still provides the Dolphins with their best chance to win if Tua is unavailable. Huntley has started three games this season, recording one touchdown and one interception.
Unlike his earlier starts, Huntley now has more time to familiarize himself with the system. However, it’s clear that for the Dolphins to stand a chance against the strong Browns defense, they need Tua to be under center.
Tua Tagovailoa isn’t expected to play for Dolphins in Week 17 vs. Browns
The Dolphins downgraded Tua Tagovailoa from questionable to doubtful on Saturday, indicating he is unlikely to play in Week 17. They also promoted Skylar Thompson from the practice squad.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “Tagovailoa still is pushing to play Sunday.”
While it seems unlikely that Tua will suit up, the Dolphins, still in the playoff race, might not want to risk further injury to their quarterback.
However, with one of the most important games in recent seasons at stake, it’s hard to ignore the desire to push through the injury. Somehow, Tua will need to find a way to play.
A loss would eliminate the Dolphins from playoff contention, but a clearer picture of their postseason hopes could emerge if the Giants manage to upset the Colts in the early games. The Colts need to lose one of their final two matchups, with their regular-season finale coming against the Jaguars in Week 18.
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