Tyler Huntley to Start for Dolphins vs. Patriots; Threw for 96 Yards in Week 4 Loss

Miami Dolphins third-string quarterback Tyler Huntley will make his second straight start in Sunday's road game against the New England Patriots, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Tuesday.

Huntley, stepping in amid injuries to both starter Tua Tagovailoa and backup Skylar Thompson, went 14-of-22 for 96 passing yards during Monday's 31-12 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

The Dolphins signed Huntley off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad on Sept. 16. With Tagovailoa and Thompson both injured, Tim Boyle is set to back him up this Sunday.

Thompson, who was designated as the Dolphins' emergency third quarterback ahead of Monday's loss, could alternatively serve as backup, although McDaniel told reporters on Tuesday that the quarterback's injury recovery process from his Week 3 rib injury has so far been "laborsome."

Boyle was elevated from the Dolphins' own practice squad shortly after the team signed Huntley. He has made one appearance this season in relief of Thompson during a Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Before joining the Dolphins, Huntley spent four seasons with the Ravens, where he earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2022 after passing for 658 yards and running for 137 more while filling in for injured starter Lamar Jackson during Baltimore's run to the postseason.

With running back Raheem Mostert sidelined by a chest injury, Huntley served as the Dolphins' rushing leader against the Titans. He recorded eight carries for a team-high 40 yards and touchdown in the loss.

The debate as to whether Huntley should keep the starting job over Boyle or Thompson, depending on the latter's injury status, will continue for at least the next two weeks.

Tagovailoa, who was diagnosed with a concussion during a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills and subsequently placed on IR, can return for Week 8's home game against the Arizona Cardinals at the earliest.

Although ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that Tagovailoa is currently "symptom-free," the Dolphins will need to take on both the the Patriots and Indianapolis Colts before reaching the team's Week 7 bye and the potential return of their QB1.