The struggling Miami Dolphins offense got a much-needed break from media scrutiny thanks to a timely bye in Week 6. However, as they prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts, the same issues that plagued them in their last three games are still very much present. Tyler Huntley has stepped in as quarterback, but he has arguably performed worse than backup Skylar Thompson, who himself was well below the performance level set by the injured Tua Tagovailoa during his 17-game run last season, only making one appearance in 2024 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Huntley is expected to start again this week, marking the fourth and final game for Tagovailoa on injured reserve, following the timing of his initial placement. However, this doesn’t guarantee Tagovailoa will return for the game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8.
Head coach Mike McDaniel stated on Monday, October 14, that he anticipates his starting quarterback will return to play this season, but he did not provide a specific timeline for Tua Tagovailoa’s comeback. The Dolphins have the option to activate the quarterback’s 21-day practice window, which could allow him to return to the roster—if not the starting lineup—by Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams. However, if Tagovailoa’s recovery from his third confirmed concussion is not progressing as expected, Miami may choose to place him back on injured reserve for additional time.
This situation leads the Dolphins to evaluate potential improvements at the quarterback position ahead of the November 5 trade deadline—especially since a new opportunity arose last week. The New England Patriots, whom the Dolphins narrowly defeated in Week 5 to improve to 2-3 and potentially salvage their season for now, decided to start rookie QB Drake Maye against the Houston Texans. Despite a 20-point loss, Maye threw three passing touchdowns and was the team’s leading rusher.
Drake Maye’s promotion to starter resulted in Jacoby Brissett being benched. Brissett had started the first five games of the season for the New England Patriots and has 53 career starts out of 84 regular-season games in the NFL. While he holds a record of 19-34 and is not seen as a franchise savior, he is a competent professional quarterback who can step in until Tua Tagovailoa returns.
The 32-year-old could continue to be a reliable option into the next season and beyond, especially considering that Miami’s $212.4 million quarterback could be just one significant hit away from ending his career at any moment. The Dolphins cannot afford to invest heavily in a backup or an alternative starter for Tagovailoa long-term unless he decides to retire. However, given the considerable investment made in their offense, they cannot rely solely on Tagovailoa’s uncertain health moving forward. Brissett represents a reasonable middle ground, as he is currently signed to a one-year contract worth $8 million with the Patriots.
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