Miami Dolphins Sign New Quarterback While Awaiting Tua Tagovailoa's Injury Status
Miami Dolphins sign quarterback Snoop Huntley while assessing Tua Tagovailoa's concussion status. The team is still deciding whether to place him on injured reserve.
The Miami Dolphins are still deciding whether quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered a concussion during Thursday’s 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, will be placed on injured reserve. In the meantime, the team has signed quarterback Snoop Huntley from the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad to strengthen their lineup.
Huntley joined the Ravens in 2020 and has stepped in as a starter in nine games when their primary quarterback, Lamar Jackson, was injured. His experience makes him a valuable addition to Miami's quarterback group.
Currently, Tagovailoa’s backup, Skylar Thompson, and practice squad player Tim Boyle are Miami's available quarterbacks.
“This move is not a reflection on Skylar’s abilities,” said Miami head coach Mike McDaniel. “It’s more about adding depth to the team. Huntley’s experience will bring more dynamics to the group. While Boyle was a good addition, we needed to ensure we had enough depth, especially with Skylar backing up Tua.”
The Dolphins have yet to determine the extent of Tagovailoa’s injury, and there’s no set timeline for his return. The team’s next game is scheduled against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday.
“We don’t have enough information yet,” McDaniel added when asked if Tagovailoa would be placed on injured reserve. “It depends on the medical experts. Once we have all the details and discuss them with Tua, we’ll make a decision.”
If placed on injured reserve, Tagovailoa would be required to miss at least four games before being eligible to return. However, even if he avoids the IR list, he must first pass the NFL’s concussion protocol before playing again. Due to his previous concussion history, there’s additional concern about his long-term future in football.
McDaniel shared that Tagovailoa was present at the Dolphins’ training facility on Monday, interacting with teammates and working with medical staff. “He was feeling good and smiling with the team, but his recovery depends on medical assessments,” McDaniel said.
In 2022, two concussions caused Tagovailoa to miss five games. However, he returned strong to play in 17 regular-season games and one playoff game for Miami, leading the NFL in passing yards in 2023.