There's a good chance the Miami Dolphins will be without their starting quarterback in Week 17.
Tua Tagovailoa (hip) has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, the team announced. The Dolphins QB was initially deemed questionable to play in Friday's injury report.
In the likely event of Tagovailoa being unable to play, backup Tyler Huntley would be slated to start in a crucial game where only a win will keep Miami's playoff hopes alive.
The Dolphins currently have a 6% chance to make the postseason, according to Next Gen Stats. With a win on Sunday in Cleveland, Miami would boost that probability to 10%.
Tagovailoa is trending toward missing his fifth game of 2024. The Dolphins QB was out four straight games while on injured reserve after suffering a concussion in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills.
Tagovailoa has thrown for 2,867 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions this season. Entering Week 17, he leads the NFL with a 72.9 completion percentage, which would be the third-best all time by a qualified passer, per NFL Research.
In relief this season, Huntley owns a 1-2 record as a starter and has thrown for 377 yards, one TD and one INT.
The Dolphins also elevated Skylar Thompson to the active roster from the practice squad on Saturday, signaling Tagovailoa's unlikelihood to suit up.
With Tyreek Hill (wrist) and Jaylen Waddle (knee) listed as questionable for Sunday, Miami's passing attack is in disarray with their slim playoff hopes on the line.
The Dolphins (7-8) and Browns (3-12) kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday at Huntington Bank Field.
