The Miami Dolphins have decided to bench quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and will start rookie Quinn Ewers in Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed on Wednesday. The move comes after the Dolphins were eliminated from playoff contention following a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tagovailoa, 27, signed a four-year, $212m extension in July 2024 after leading the NFL in passing yards the previous season. However, this year has been less consistent; he threw his NFL-leading 15th interception on Monday and has 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns for the season.
McDaniel stated that the decision was made to give the team the best chance to win. “The simple piece is I think Quinn gives this team the best chance to win. Our focus is obviously to win the next three games,” he said. Tagovailoa will serve as the emergency third quarterback behind Ewers and backup Zach Wilson.
Ewers, a seventh-round pick in the 2025 draft from Texas, has made only one NFL appearance, completing five of eight passes for 53 yards in mop-up duty against Cleveland. McDaniel expressed confidence in the rookie's preparation.
In additional roster changes, the Dolphins waived veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon on Wednesday. Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, signed a one-year, $3m deal but failed to record a sack in 13 games this season.
