The Miami Dolphins are still weighing their options regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s status after he sustained a concussion during Thursday’s 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Although a decision to place him on injured reserve hasn’t been reached, the team is already taking precautionary steps by signing a new quarterback.
On Monday, the Dolphins added Snoop Huntley, who has been with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad since 2020. Huntley has stepped in for Lamar Jackson multiple times over the past three seasons, starting nine games in Jackson’s absence.
With Tagovailoa sidelined, Miami was left with limited quarterback depth, relying on Skylar Thompson as the backup and Tim Boyle from the practice squad as an additional option.
Head coach Mike McDaniel clarified that the decision to sign Huntley wasn’t a critique of Thompson’s abilities but rather a move to ensure depth. “This is about shoring up our quarterback depth,” McDaniel said. “Having someone like Huntley, with experience as a starter, adds another layer of security and gives us a signal-caller the team can trust. We’re happy with Boyle, but this move is more about providing support for Skylar and letting competition unfold on the field.”
The extent of Miami’s need for added depth will depend on how long Tagovailoa remains out, as no clear timeline for his return has been established. The Dolphins’ next game is scheduled for Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks at 3:05 p.m. CDT.
When asked if Tagovailoa could be placed on injured reserve, McDaniel emphasized that it’s a medical decision. “The medical staff will make that call once we have more information,” he explained. “Chris [Grier] and I will discuss it with Tua once we know more. For now, we’re not in a position to decide, but we should have clarity in the next few days.”
If Tagovailoa ends up on injured reserve, he would be required to miss a minimum of four games. However, before he can return to action, he must first clear the NFL’s concussion protocol—a process that carries extra concern given his history with head injuries.
McDaniel also provided a brief update on Tagovailoa’s condition, revealing that the quarterback was at the team facility on Monday. “Tua was down with his teammates, smiling and interacting with everyone,” McDaniel shared. “He’s working closely with the medical staff and feeling good today, but we’re taking it one day at a time. I trust the medical experts to guide our decisions.”
Concussions have been a recurring issue for Tagovailoa, who missed five games in 2022 due to head injuries. Despite these challenges, he returned in 2023, starting all 17 regular-season games and one playoff game while leading the league in passing yards.
