Under Tua, Who's The Backup?

The Dolphins have a few candidates for the backup quarterback role.

Oct 20, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler "Snoop" Huntley (18) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. / Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The Dolphins have a few candidates for the backup role.

With Tua Tagovailoa returning to practice Wednesday, intending to start on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, one crucial question remains.

Who will serve as the backup to Tagovailoa against the Cardinals?

After activating Tagovailoa, the Dolphins will have three or more quarterbacks on the active roster before making a corresponding move.

Tagovailoa is not expected to be activated before Wednesday after he completes the concussion protocol.

As of Monday afternoon, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has not decided what the backup quarterback situation will look like.

"Not as of yet. It's to be determined," McDaniel said. "Some information still needs to be gathered."

McDANIEL MUM ON STATUS OF HUNTLEY

Some of that information might concern Huntley's status. Huntley started at quarterback Sunday in Indianapolis. He left the Colts game with a shoulder injury and did not return to the game after leaving in the third quarter.

The severity of the injury has not been disclosed. Information on Huntley is at a minimum.

"My sense is I have no senses about it yet. It went from, 'All right, we'll keep you updated and abreast on whether or not he can come back into the game,' to 'He will not be coming back into the game,'" McDaniel said. "So there's still some stuff going on with the evaluation process and I'll make my determination on that alongside the coaching staff and Chris [Grier]. That'll probably come tomorrow where I'm kind of making those thoughts out."

THOMPSON AND BOYLE REMAIN IN THE MIX...FOR NOW

The Dolphins also have to evaluate their medical status — Thompson, who won the backup job in training camp. Thompson had suffered a rib/chest injury against Seattle last month and has not played in a game since. Thompson was dressed and designated as the emergency quarterback against Indianapolis.

Tim Boyle was signed to the active roster for the game against Indianapolis. He entered the game when Huntley got hurt. His status to remain on the roster once Tagovailoa returns is also uncertain.