[ad_1]
Dec 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) within the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Barry Reeger-Imagn Photographs The Miami Dolphins are benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and can begin rookie Quinn Ewers on Sunday towards the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Mike McDaniel introduced on Wednesday.
The Dolphins (6-8), eradicated from postseason play, signed Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212 million extension in July 2024 after he led the NFL in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624.
However amid a disappointing season, McDaniel hinted Tuesday a change might be coming after a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday evening.
“The quarterback play final evening was not adequate,” McDaniel stated on Tuesday. “So for me, the whole lot is on the desk.”
On Wednesday, he introduced that Ewers can be obtain his first profession NFL begin towards the Bengals (4-10).
“The choice is difficult however easy,” McDaniel stated. “The straightforward piece is I believe Quinn offers this staff the most effective probability to win. Our focus is clearly to win the following three video games, however particularly — like I instructed the gamers — we’re targeted on beating the Bengals, so that’s the motivation.
“Zach will likely be backing him up, and Tua would be the emergency third.”
When requested what his pondering was for having Tua function the emergency quarterback, McDaniel stated, “I believe it was the most effective for all events concerned, Quinn, Zach and Tua.”
McDaniel did not cease there, nevertheless.
“All three quarterbacks … I believe they understood that my intent and motivation is concretely to do the most effective factor for the staff.
“Beginning with Tua, it wasn’t straightforward for him to listen to. It was a tricky dialog but in addition I believe he exhibited what makes him a captain and a frontrunner on this staff. He understood what which means for his contribution to the staff and the way he is gonna assist Quinn put together for his first begin.”
Tagovailoa, 27, accomplished 6 of 10 passes for 65 yards whereas throwing his NFL-leading fifteenth interception via the primary three quarters of Monday’s sport. He completed 22 of 28 for 253 yards with a pair of late touchdowns to tight finish Darren Waller.
Tagovailoa has thrown for two,660 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.
Further modifications are anticipated, and the Dolphins did not wait to dismiss one defensive participant.
Veteran cross rusher Matthew Judon, who signed a one-year, $3 million cope with the Dolphins previous to the season, was waived on Wednesday. Judon, a four-time Professional Bowl choice, appeared in 13 video games with Miami. The 33-year-old had zero sacks and was credited with simply 9 complete pressures this season by Professional Soccer Focus, which might rank within the backside 5 of the 112 exterior linebackers graded by the positioning.
The Dolphins acquired Tagovailoa with the No. 5 general decide within the 2020 NFL Draft. Ewers was a seventh-round decide within the 2025 draft out of Texas.
“Quinn, his disposition, understanding that it is uncharted territory as a rookie beginning, however his relationship along with his teammates and the motivation. I believe our staff with him beginning on the quarterback place offers us the most effective alternative to beat the Bengals.”
Ewers, 22, made his solely NFL look on Oct. 19 in mop-up responsibility in a 31-6 loss at Cleveland. He was 5-of-8 passing for 53 yards.
–Discipline Stage Media
[ad_2]
