Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel gives concerning update on Tua Tagovailoa with playoff spot on the line

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel painted an uncertain picture of Tua Tagovailoa's availability. This casts doubt over the quarterback's status for a must-win Week 18 clash. The team's playoff hopes hang by a thread after a vital victory without their starter.

McDaniel addressed the media following Miami's 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns. The victory kept their postseason dreams alive, but the absence of their primary signal-caller raised questions about next week's crucial matchup.

According to Yahoo Sports, McDaniel spoke candidly in his postgame press conference about Tagovailoa's determination to play through his hip injury.

"I have absolutely no idea," McDaniel said "We had reasonable, hopeful expectations for his body, and he had the same expectations. To even begin to forecast this next week is difficult because we were waiting 'til the last hour. … We'll be hopeful for that as we progress. I can't even lean one way or the other really. We'll see what the world has in store for us."

NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins - Source: Imagn

The playoff scenario is clear for Miami - they need a win against the Jets and a Broncos loss to the 15-1 Chiefs, who might rest their starters. Tua Tagovailoa's potential absence could complicate their path, given his impressive 2023 campaign of 2,867 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.

Tyler Huntley provides hope amid Tua Tagovailoa's uncertainty

NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins - Source: Imagn

Mike McDaniel elaborated on the medical staff's decision to sideline Tua Tagovailoa.

"He was super susceptible to a much more significant injury," McDaniel said. "A major factor was the lack of strength due to the injury, and his inability to protect himself and his teammates within the pocket."

Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley stepped up admirably in Week 17, completing an efficient 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown. His 52 rushing yards led the team, marking a dramatic improvement from his earlier appearances. The Dolphins had previously struggled without Tagovailoa, posting a 1-3 record and averaging under 15 points in games he missed.

This turnaround in backup quarterback play offers Miami a lifeline. Huntley's previous three starts had yielded just 125.6 passing yards per game, with one touchdown against one interception.

The Dolphins will closely monitor Tagovailoa's recovery throughout the week. While surgery isn't currently necessary, his status remains a critical storyline as Miami approaches their season-defining game against the Jets.