Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel stated on Thursday that he’s not yet ready to name a starting quarterback for Monday night’s home game against the Tennessee Titans.
Skylar Thompson is currently dealing with a rib injury, which McDaniel described as “pretty painful,” leaving Tyler Huntley and Tim Boyle as the top options for Miami’s QB1 this week.
Huntley recently joined the Dolphins, while Boyle is on the practice squad. Boyle stepped in during last weekend’s game against the Seattle Seahawks after Thompson was injured, but Huntley’s greater starting experience — including 10 NFL starts and one in the postseason — might give him the edge.
“I have in my mind what I think, how it could play out,” McDaniel said. “However, it’s a little premature for a multitude of reasons. And the very last being the competitive advantage.”
The Miami Dolphins signed Tyler Huntley just 10 days ago, following Tua Tagovailoa’s latest concussion, but head coach Mike McDaniel believes Huntley is ready to handle the challenge.
“The game isn’t too big for him. I’m very encouraged by his progression,” McDaniel said. “We targeted him for a reason.” Despite his optimism, McDaniel acknowledged that Huntley is still getting up to speed with the offense. Both McDaniel and GM Chris Grier will closely monitor his practice performances this week.
“I’m feeling much more knowledgeable about exactly where he’s at over the last half week and very, very encouraged,” McDaniel added. “Chris and his staff, along with the coaches, targeted him for a reason. We’re familiar with him from playing against him.”
Huntley, who spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and made all 10 of his NFL starts while Lamar Jackson was injured, went to training camp with the Cleveland Browns this year before being released. Dolphins defensive end Calais Campbell, who played with Huntley in Baltimore, is confident in Huntley’s ability.
“(Huntley) is very prepared,” Campbell said. “He can make every throw and has good poise in the pocket. He can also create with his legs, which will be valuable given the weapons we have at receiver.”
The Dolphins have struggled recently, being outscored 55-13 in back-to-back losses to the Bills and Seahawks. They haven’t scored a touchdown in seven quarters and converted just 1 of 12 third downs against Seattle, managing only 205 total yards, their lowest since a loss to the Colts in October 2021.
Against the Seahawks, Skylar Thompson completed 13 of 19 passes for 107 yards but was sacked five times before exiting due to injury. Tim Boyle, who stepped in, went 7 of 13 for 79 yards and was sacked once.
McDaniel also noted that left tackle Terron Armstead and cornerback Kendall Fuller are still in concussion protocol, further complicating the Dolphins’ lineup heading into Monday night’s game.
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