What is up with the Miami Dolphins QB situation? Why has no starter been named for Week 4?

Wendi Oliveros

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What is up with the Miami Dolphins QB situation? Why has no starter been named for Week 4? image

In 2024, the Miami Dolphins have been in an unenviable quarterback situation reminiscent of the 2023 Cleveland Browns.

Tua Tagovailoa played until his concussion in Week 2.  Backup Skylar Thompson came in relief during that game and started in Week 3 only to suffer a shoulder injury that has him in a "day-to-day" situation.  QB3 Tim Boyle came in relief of Thompson when he left the Week 3 game.

The Dolphins had a well-publicized competition for the QB2 position over the summer.  Thompson ousted Tim Boyle who was named QB3.

If Tagovailoa and Thompson cannot go, the normal course of events would mean Boyle would start.  Right?  Not necessarily.  The Dolphins needed quarterback depth so they signed native Floridian Tyler Huntley (nicknamed Snoop) off the Ravens practice squad.  Though many analysts thought the team should pursue higher profile veterans who were starters such as former Dolphin Ryan Tannehill, they chose not to.

Who will it be? Thompson, Boyle, or Huntley.

Thompson was limited in practice on Friday.  It seems unlikely he would play though he should not be discounted because the Dolphins are playing on Monday night which gives him extra time to recover.

Boyle knows the offense well having been an active part of training camp and logging reps with the first-team offense.

Huntley has been practicing attempting to learn the offense at breakneck speed this week. He has plenty of experience coming off the bench in emergencies as he was Lamar Jackson's backup in Baltimore.

Neither Boyle nor Huntley's previous stats are tremendous so it will be a gut decision by McDaniel based on which player gives the team the best chance to win.  Boyle is 0-5 in his career through 21 game appearances with 4 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.  Huntley is 3-6 with 20 game appearances.  He threw 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Huntley provides a rushing advantage with 3 career rushing touchdowns.  Boyle has none.

The Dolphins have the luxury of an added day to get Huntley acclimated.  If Coach Mike McDaniel believes he has a good grasp of the offense, he will most likely be named the starter.  

Regardless of whether it is Boyle or Huntley, the Dolphins will be going with their third starting quarterback in four games.  Offensive consistency has been lacking but should not be considered catastrophic.  The 2023 Cleveland Browns used five quarterbacks, advanced to the playoffs, and garnered Coach Kevin Stefanski NFL Coach of the Year honors.

 

 

 

 

 

Wendi Oliveros

Wendi Oliveros Photo

Wendi Oliveros is an avid sports fan who has reported on NFL, MLB, and professional tennis throughout her career. She lives in PA but is not a Steelers or Eagles fan. She is a lifelong Baltimore Orioles fan, and her favorite tennis tournament is the US Open, which she has been privileged to attend a few times.