“Hell yeah I’m frustrated”: Tua Tagovailoa sounds off after Dolphins decide to bench QB with playoff spot on line

Tua Tagovailoa's raw emotions surfaced as the Miami Dolphins medical staff ruled him out for a crucial Week 18 matchup. His hip injury prevents him from leading his team in a must-win game against the New York Jets.

The Pro Bowl quarterback has been a standout performer this season. From Weeks 12-14, he averaged 338 passing yards per game with eight touchdowns and zero interceptions. His 72.3% completion rate leads the NFL.

Speaking to reporters on January 3, Tagovailoa voiced his frustration. The hip injury first appeared after the Week 15 loss to Houston, though he played through it in a Week 16 win over San Francisco.

"Hell yeah I'm frustrated. I felt I could have played last week but wasn't medically cleared," said Tagovailoa.

The timing couldn't be worse for Miami (8-8). They need a victory over the Jets and a Broncos loss to the Chiefs to clinch a playoff spot. However, Kansas City plans to start backup QB Carson Wentz, having secured the AFC's top seed.

Huntley to replace Tua Tagovailoa

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

Tua Tagovailoa's determination to return for the playoffs remains clear. Coach Mike McDaniel explained that the injury goes beyond simple pain management.

"I think Tua wishes it was just a pain issue," McDaniel told reporters on Friday. "It's quite literally being able to have the strength to do what we ask him to do while protecting himself from very serious injury."

Tyler "Snoop" Huntley takes the reins after an impressive showing against Cleveland. His 22-of-26 passing performance included 225 yards and a touchdown. Through four starts this season, he's completed 66.3% of his throws for 602 yards.

The injury marks Tua Tagovailoa's sixth missed game in 2024, his highest single-season total as Miami's starter. Earlier this year, he missed four games due to a concussion sustained in Week 2. Despite outside speculation, he never considered retirement.

McDaniel clarified the nature of Tagovailoa's current injury, calling it a "unique muscle issue" rather than a bruise. The coach emphasized that daily evaluations continue to determine when their star quarterback can safely return to action.