Dolphins sign Tyler Huntley/ Huntley joins Dolphins/ Tyler Huntley quarterback/ Newslooks/ MIAMI GARDENS/ Fla./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Miami Dolphins have signed quarterback Tyler Huntley from the Ravens’ practice squad as Tua Tagovailoa remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol following his third diagnosed concussion. Huntley will provide depth behind Skylar Thompson, who is expected to start against Seattle on Sunday. Coach Mike McDaniel emphasized that Tua’s health remains the priority, and decisions about his future will be guided by medical experts.
Dolphins Sign Tyler Huntley Amid Tua’s Absence Quick Looks:
- Dolphins sign QB Tyler Huntley from Ravens’ practice squad as Tua Tagovailoa recovers from a concussion.
- Skylar Thompson remains the likely starter for Miami’s game against Seattle.
- Tua is consulting with neurologists as he navigates his third career concussion.
- Coach McDaniel refrains from speculating on Tua’s long-term future and emphasizes his health.
- Huntley brings experience, having stepped in for Lamar Jackson with the Ravens.
Dolphins Sign QB Tyler Huntley as Tua Tagovailoa Remains in Concussion Protocol
Deep Look:
The Miami Dolphins have officially signed quarterback Tyler Huntley off the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad as Tua Tagovailoa continues to recover from his third diagnosed concussion. With Tagovailoa still in the NFL’s concussion protocol following a hit during last Thursday’s 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Huntley has been brought in to bolster the team’s quarterback depth behind current backup Skylar Thompson.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the move, initially reported by NFL Network, and explained that Huntley’s addition gives the team more options as they await further clarity on Tagovailoa’s condition. “That’s gonna be driven by medical experts,” McDaniel said, referring to whether Tua will be placed on injured reserve. “We’re not ready to make a distinction on that yet.”
The signing of Huntley, who is known for his ability to step up in difficult situations, comes at a critical time for the Dolphins as they prepare for Sunday’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Huntley, a South Florida native, went undrafted in 2020 but found a home with the Ravens, stepping in for an injured Lamar Jackson in both 2021 and 2022. He even earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2022 after leading the team through multiple games in Jackson’s absence.
Huntley brings valuable experience to Miami’s roster, having made 10 starts with the Ravens, where he threw for 1,957 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. His ability to command the offense during crucial moments stood out to McDaniel, who praised Huntley for stepping in during high-pressure situations. “He was replacing the league MVP, and you could tell from far away that he was a guy the team believed in,” McDaniel said.
Huntley was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as a free agent in March but was released in August during roster cuts. The Ravens quickly brought him back to their practice squad before the Dolphins came calling.
While Huntley is a strong addition, Skylar Thompson remains the likely starter for the Dolphins as they travel to face Seattle on Sunday. Thompson, who has been Tagovailoa’s primary backup, replaced him during the Buffalo game but had a tough outing, completing just 8 of 14 passes for 80 yards. However, McDaniel expressed confidence in Thompson’s growth since his rookie season, when he started several games in place of an injured Tua. “I think his game has developed,” McDaniel said. “All of his teammates can feel his command and his growth.”
Thompson’s development will be crucial for the Dolphins as they navigate Tua’s uncertain timeline for recovery. Tagovailoa, who has suffered two previous concussions in the NFL and one during his college career at Alabama, remains under close medical supervision. McDaniel declined to speculate on what the latest injury means for Tua’s future but emphasized that the team’s priority is his well-being. “I’m just worried about the human being and where he’s at day to day,” McDaniel said.
The coach also pushed back against speculation about whether Tua might consider retirement, following reports that he has no plans to step away from football. “I’ll let Tua be the champion of his own career,” McDaniel said.
Tagovailoa’s latest concussion occurred during a third-quarter play in which he collided with Buffalo defensive back Damar Hamlin while running for a first down. Instead of sliding, Tua lowered his shoulder into Hamlin, resulting in a hit that left him lying on the field for several minutes. Players from both teams immediately signaled for medical assistance, and Tua was eventually able to walk off the field under his own power.
With Tua sidelined, the Dolphins hope to lean on Huntley’s experience and Thompson’s development to keep their season on track. Huntley’s addition provides a reliable option with a proven track record in pressure situations, something the Dolphins may need as they face a tough stretch of games.
