Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is set to sit out his second consecutive game as the Miami Dolphins prepare to face the New York Jets this Sunday. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the news on Friday, citing Tagovailoa's ongoing recovery from a right hip injury sustained in mid-December.
Backup quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley is slated to start once again after leading the Dolphins to victory in Tagovailoa's absence last week. Huntley's impressive performance against Cleveland has earned him another opportunity to showcase his skills on the field.
Despite the team's playoff aspirations, Tagovailoa's health remains the top priority. McDaniel emphasized the cautious approach taken this week, with Huntley receiving more practice reps than Tagovailoa to ensure the latter's full recovery.
The Dolphins are still in contention for the final AFC wild-card spot, but their postseason hopes hinge on a victory against the Jets and a Denver Broncos loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are expected to rest key starters, including quarterback Carson Wentz, providing a potential opening for Miami.
McDaniel provided insights into Tagovailoa's injury, clarifying that it is more complex than a simple bruise. While the quarterback's bone structure remains intact, the issue pertains to muscle strength and protection against further injury.
Notably, surgery is not considered a viable solution at this stage. Tagovailoa underwent hip surgery previously during his college career at Alabama, necessitating a different approach to manage his current condition.
Tagovailoa's regular-season campaign concludes with 11 starts, the fewest since his rookie year. Despite the setbacks, he achieved significant milestones in passing yards, completion percentage, and touchdown passes.
As the Dolphins navigate the final stretch of the season, the focus remains on Tagovailoa's recovery and long-term well-being, ensuring his readiness for future challenges on the field.
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