MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins are preparing as if Tyler Huntley will start Sunday against the New York Jets, manager Mike McDaniel said Wednesday.
Tua Tagovailoa missed last week’s win over the Cleveland Browns due to a hip injury. Huntley started in Tagovailoa’s place and threw for 225 yards and one touchdown, as well as an additional touchdown on the ground.
McDaniel told the media on Wednesday that Tagovailoa would likely be limited in practice Wednesday, although he did not officially name Huntley to the starting lineup for Sunday’s game.
He also hinted that Tagovailoa could play if his lower back injury heals by the weekend.
It’s getting closer than I thought. [Huntley is] Starting today,” McDaniel said. “I think it’s pretty easy for us as a team to adjust as the week goes on. But I think we have to approach it a certain way.
“Given last week’s schedule, this is an easy adjustment that we will definitely accept.”
Tagovailoa participated in all of Miami’s practices on a limited basis last week and was initially listed as questionable to play against the Browns. However, he was downgraded to doubtful status the day before the game and was ruled out for Sunday afternoon.
McDaniel said team doctors advised Tagovailoa’s injury was “not safe at all” to play, despite Tagovailoa’s willingness to play through the pain. .
He told reporters Monday that Huntley will likely get the majority of the first-team snaps in practice this week.
Sunday’s game is important for the Dolphins. If they win against the Jets and the Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Dolphins will advance to the postseason for the third straight year.
If the Dolphins make the playoffs, they will face their AFC East rival Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round.
