New York Jets Could Catch Major Break After Miami Dolphins Injury Update

The New York Jets could catch a break against the Miami Dolphins in the season finale with one of their star players likely sidelined.

Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley (18) throws the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. / Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

The New York Jets don’t have anything more than pride to play for in their Week 18 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

But, the game is important for their AFC East rivals, who still have a chance at making the playoffs if they can pick up a victory and get some help from other teams along the way.

It is anyone’s guess what kind of performance the Jets will put forth. They have looked good at times in recent weeks, such as their surprising victory on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15.

But, the offense has fallen flat over the last two weeks. They scored only nine points against the Los Angeles Rams despite punting zero times and last week the offense failed to score a single point against the Buffalo Bills with Aaron Rodgers on the field; all 14 points scored came courtesy of Tyrod Taylor drives, who came on in relief in the fourth quarter.

With the offense playing inconsistently, a lot of pressure fell upon the defense, which has been among the worst units in the NFL since head coach Robert Saleh was fired and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich took over on an interim basis.

But, the much-maligned unit looks like it will be catching a huge break in the regular season finale.

As shared by Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN, the Dolphins are currently preparing as if backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will be starting on Sunday afternoon. Head coach Mike McDaniel said that it is “unlikely” Tua Tagovailoa sees any action.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said it’s “unlikely” Tua Tagovailoa sees action this week vs the Jets

Tyler Huntley is in line to start

— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) January 3, 2025

This would be the fifth start of the campaign for Huntley, who has gone 2-2 in place of Tagovailoa this year. He has lost to the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts while leading the team to victory over the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns.

Last week against Cleveland, he had a stellar performance, completing 22-of-26 attempts for 225 yards with one touchdown. He added 52 yards and another score on the ground, as New York’s defense is going to have to keep an eye on the dual-threat talent.

While it won’t help them against the Jets, Tagovailoa has said that he will be in the lineup next week should Miami earn a playoff spot.

“I’ll be available next week — no ifs, ands or buts,” he said via Louis-Jacques on X.