Dolphins officially rule out Tua Tagovailoa for playoff decider against Browns

The Miami Dolphins are set to face the Cleveland Browns in a game that will ultimately decide whether they remain in the playoff conversation. A win on Sunday will significantly improve their chances of making the playoffs, but they will have to do so without their most important player.

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Star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been officially ruled out due to a hip injury he is dealing with. Tagovailoa was limited all week and the Dolphins surprisingly hit him with a “questionable” injury designation on Saturday. Now the team has opted to sit its starting quarterback.

Tagovailoa’s hip injury apparently worsened during practice, leading the Dolphins to exercise caution. Instead of allowing him to dress and potentially aggravate the injury, they choose to drop their starter. This makes sense considering the team could find its way to the playoffs.

The Dolphins have a slight chance in the playoffs, but they still have a chance. They are expected to beat the Browns on Sunday and also beat the New York Jets in Week 18. The Broncos are also expected to lose their Week 18 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

This will be more difficult to accomplish, as the Chiefs are expected to rest most of their starters. Additionally, the Indianapolis Colts will have to lose one of their last two games.

Tyler “Snoop” Huntley is expected to start in Tagovailoa’s place. This will be his fourth start. Huntley was signed when Tagovailoa was injured and Skylar Thompson suffered a rib injury that also kept him out of action.

The Dolphins need a win on Sunday, and losing Tagovailoa will seriously hurt their chances. When Thompson and Huntley took over the offensive duties, neither was able to do much on that side of the ball.

Miami has had an up and down season and is currently 7-8. Their excellent offense in 2023 has not been imitated in 2024. Both star receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill have not both eclipsed 1,000 yards this season and are unlikely to do so – at unless you have back-to-back 200-yard games.

The Dolphins’ loss of Tagovailoa for a decisive playoff game is indicative of this season as a whole. Tagovailoa was on IR following another concussion during his professional career. Meanwhile, Miami hasn’t found a way to win games.

With their backs against the wall, they will now enter Sunday with the hope that Huntley can make things happen against the Browns.

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