Miami kept its playoff dreams alive without Tua Tagovailoa on Sunday by winning, 20-3, versus the Browns.
Unfortunately, the Dolphins might have to go it again without him in Week 18.
After taking the decision to play Tagovailoa versus Cleveland down to the wire, a choice ultimately made for him by medical limitations, head coach Mike McDaniel was non-committal about his signal-caller's status for next week against the New York Jets.
"I have absolutely no idea," McDaniel said postgame when asked if it was realistic Tagovailoa could return for the regular-season finale despite his hip injury. "We had reasonable, hopeful expectations for his body, and he had the same expectations. To even begin to forecast this next week is difficult because we were waiting 'til the last hour. … We'll be hopeful for that as we progress. I can't even lean one way or the other really. We'll see what the world has in store for us."
McDaniel added that while Tagovailoa sat this week because the issue with his hip made him much more susceptible to more serious injury, surgery is not currently on the table.
Sunday marked the team's fifth game this season starting a backup quarterback, with previous tries amounting to nearly a complete disaster.
When Tagovailoa missed four games earlier this season due to a concussion, the Dolphins went 1-3 and failed to score over 15 points in any contest. Tyler Huntley started three of those contests, getting the only win but also throwing for just 125.6 yards per game, one touchdown and one interception.
Facing elimination from playoff contention with a loss on Sunday, Huntley stepped up against a team he spent time with earlier in the year. He was efficient, throwing for 225 yards and a score on 22-of-26 passing, and he led the team with 52 rushing yards. He wasn't flashy, but he didn't need to be as Miami's defense stifled the Browns on the other side.
The win means the Dolphins can now reach the playoffs with a win against Gang Green and a Broncos loss to the Chiefs, who at 15-1 are expected to rest starters.
Even with Huntley's improved play, Miami would surely feel better about its odds of fulfilling its end of the bargain if Tagovailoa is able to line up under center. The Dolphins' QB1 entered Week 17 as the league leader in completion percentage (72.9%) to go along with his 2,867 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
For now, McDaniel and Co. will have to settle for reveling in reaching the final game of the regular season with something to play for.
As the week goes on, they should have a better idea of who will be taking snaps in the all-important matchup.
