Miami Dolphins helmet
The Miami Dolphins announced Friday that quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley has been placed on injured reserve after a right shoulder injury knocked him out of his Week 7 game. Huntley, who signed with the Dolphins in mid-September, stepped in after starter Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion earlier in the season. In his three starts for Miami, Huntley went 1-2, completing 59.1% of his passes for 377 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Now, with Huntley sidelined, the Dolphins will turn back to their original Pro Bowl starter, Tagovailoa, who has officially cleared concussion protocol.
Tagovailoa’s return couldn’t come at a better time for Miami, which went 1-3 in his absence. After a serious concussion in the Dolphins’ Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills, there were even questions about whether Tagovailoa would continue his NFL career. Tagovailoa, however, remained adamant about his commitment to football and his desire to play, pushing forward through his recovery process. After a month of intensive rehab and ongoing engagement with the team, he’s set to start in Miami’s Week 8 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed admiration for Tagovailoa’s resilience and commitment, noting the quarterback’s proactive role in recovery. “He’s done an outstanding job of controlling what he can control, putting his best foot forward not only to take care of himself but to be a leader for this team,” McDaniel said. “If you had any questions about his value, I think it’s pretty clear.”
Tagovailoa himself has shown little hesitation about the risks that come with returning to the field. Addressing questions about the inherent danger of NFL play, he responded confidently, “There’s just risk in any and everything, and I’m willing to play the odds, that’s it.”
With Tagovailoa back under center, the Dolphins (2-4) are hoping to regain their competitive footing. Sunday’s matchup with the Arizona Cardinals offers Miami a fresh opportunity to capitalize on their quarterback’s leadership and hopefully turn the season’s tide.
