The Miami Dolphins are benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and can begin rookie Quinn Ewers on Sunday towards the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Mike McDaniel introduced on Wednesday.
The Dolphins (6-8), eradicated from postseason play, signed Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212 million extension in July 2024 after he led the NFL in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624.
However amid a disappointing season, McDaniel hinted Tuesday a change could possibly be coming after a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night time.
“The quarterback play final night time was not ok,” McDaniel stated on Tuesday. “So for me, every thing is on the desk.”
On Wednesday, he introduced that Ewers could be obtain his first profession NFL begin towards the Bengals (4-10).
“The choice is sophisticated however easy,” McDaniel stated. “The easy piece is I believe Quinn provides this staff one of the best likelihood to win. Our focus is clearly to win the subsequent three video games, however particularly — like I instructed the gamers — we’re centered on beating the Bengals, so that’s the motivation.
“Zach will probably be backing him up, and Tua would be the emergency third.”
When requested what his considering was for having Tua function the emergency quarterback, McDaniel stated, “I believe it was one of the best for all events concerned, Quinn, Zach and Tua.”
McDaniel did not cease there, nonetheless.
“All three quarterbacks … I believe they understood that my intent and motivation is concretely to do one of the best factor for the staff.
“Beginning with Tua, it wasn’t straightforward for him to listen to. It was a tricky dialog but additionally I believe he exhibited what makes him a captain and a frontrunner on this staff. He understood what meaning for his contribution to the staff and the way he is gonna assist Quinn put together for his first begin.”
Tagovailoa, 27, accomplished 6 of 10 passes for 65 yards whereas throwing his NFL-leading fifteenth interception by means of the primary three quarters of Monday’s recreation. He completed 22 of 28 for 253 yards with a pair of late touchdowns to tight finish Darren Waller.
Tagovailoa has thrown for two,660 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.
Further modifications are anticipated, and the Dolphins did not wait to dismiss one defensive participant.
Veteran go rusher Matthew Judon, who signed a one-year, $3 million cope with the Dolphins previous to the season, was waived on Wednesday. Judon, a four-time Professional Bowl choice, appeared in 13 video games with Miami. The 33-year-old had zero sacks and was credited with simply 9 whole pressures this season by Professional Soccer Focus, which might rank within the backside 5 of the 112 exterior linebackers graded by the location.
The Dolphins acquired Tagovailoa with the No. 5 total decide within the 2020 NFL Draft. Ewers was a seventh-round decide within the 2025 draft out of Texas.
“Quinn, his disposition, understanding that it is uncharted territory as a rookie beginning, however his relationship along with his teammates and the motivation. I believe our staff with him beginning on the quarterback place provides us one of the best alternative to beat the Bengals.”
Ewers, 22, made his solely NFL look on Oct. 19 in mop-up responsibility in a 31-6 loss at Cleveland. He was 5-of-8 passing for 53 yards.
–Subject Degree Media
