Tua Tagovailoa Benched as Dolphins Turn to Rookie Quarterback Quinn Ewers

Tua Tagovailoa will not start for the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. He was officially benched by head coach Mike McDaniel. The decision came before the team’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16.The Dolphins are turning to rookie Quinn Ewers. Zach Wilson will serve as the primary backup. According to the Associated Press, Tagovailoa is listed as the emergency third quarterback.This means he will dress for the game. He can only play if both Ewers and Wilson get hurt. The Dolphins play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

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The move followed a disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That defeat officially eliminated Miami from playoff contention. The team’s record fell to 6-8.Tagovailoa struggled during that game. His performance prompted Coach McDaniel to consider a change. “The quarterback play last night was not good enough,” McDaniel said.He announced the switch to Ewers the next day. McDaniel called the decision complicated but simple. He stated Ewers gives the team its best chance to win now.Tagovailoa expressed disappointment about the benching. He called it a normal human emotion. He vowed to help the new quarterback in any way he can.The Dolphins’ focus is on winning their final games. The team is evaluating its future at the quarterback position. This move provides a crucial audition for the rookie Ewers.

Injury Report and Team Inactives

The Dolphins released their list of inactive players for Week 17. Tua Tagovailoa leads that list. Several other starters are also out.Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will not play. Offensive lineman Aaron Brewer is also inactive. Receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine joins them on the sideline.The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have key absences too. Star tackle Tristan Wirfs is inactive for the game. Linebacker Anthony Nelson will also miss the contest.

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The Tua Tagovailoa benched storyline dominates the final week of the Dolphins’ season. It marks a significant shift for a franchise now focused on the future.