The Miami Dolphins' playoff hopes took a serious hit Sunday.
The Dolphins believe quarterback Ryan Tannehill tore his ACL during the third quarter of Sunday's 26-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals and will miss the remainder of the season, two sources with knowledge of the injury told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Courtney Fallon. Tannehill will have an MRI to determine if there is other damage.
"We don't know anything official yet, but it doesn't look good," coach Adam Gase said after the victory. "We'll get it confirmed tomorrow."
Tannehill was injured on a hit by Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell, whose rush past Branden Albert had Campbell's momentum moving forward when he lunged toward Tannehill, who was stepping into a pass. The result was an awkward collision that left Tannehill writhing in pain and could draw a fine for Campbell, as the league will review the hit, Rapoport reported Monday, per a source.
The Tannehill news takes some shine off a big victory that moved the Dolphins to 8-5, in the thick of the hunt for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC.
The quarterback became emotional on the sideline after the injury and was seen receiving encouragement from teammates. Tannehill likely knew the extent of his injury and the influence it could have on the Dolphins' season.
Matt Moore replaced Tannehill and went 3-of-5 passing for 47 yards on four possessions but made a big toss to Kenny Stills for 29 yards to set up the game-winning chip-shot field goal. Moore entered Sunday having attempted 11 passes the past three seasons. The 32-year-old hasn't started a game since 2011 when he took over QB1 status in Miami for the final 12 weeks.
Tannehill played the best football of his career under Gase, getting the ball out quickly and displaying a greater command of the offense. How his progress will be curtailed due to a grueling rehab will be something to track the next 12 months.
Depending on Tannehill's recovery timetable, the Dolphins could be in the market for a veteran stop-gap if Moore proves inadequate in the final three weeks. If Tannehill isn't looking ready for the regular season, expect rumors regarding Jay Cutler and/or Tony Romo to swirl around Miami the next several months.
