Quinn Ewers Discusses Getting 1st NFL Start After Dolphins Bench Tua, Makes OSU Joke

Quinn Ewers is set to make his first NFL start on Sunday after Tua Tagovailoa's benching this week.

Ewers said earning the starting gig is a "blessing."

"I have the opportunity to play in the NFL, and for that to be coming is just truly a blessing, and I'm thankful for the opportunity," Ewers said.

His first NFL start will come against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. He joked about him and Burrow technically both being former Ohio State quarterbacks.

"It's pretty cool to go against somebody of (Joe Burrow's) talent," he told reporters. "Couple guys that went to Ohio State, I guess."

Ewers started his collegiate career at Ohio State, but appeared in just one game in 2021 before transferring to Texas, where he went on to have a strong three seasons. Burrow's college journey is similar, as he spent three seasons on the bench at Ohio State before transferring to LSU, where he won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship in 2019.

Now, Ewers is hoping to find the same success in the NFL that Burrow has.

Ewers has seen very little action this season, appearing in just one contest—a matchup against the Cleveland Browns in October—throwing for 53 yards on 5-of-8 passing.

While Ewers isn't the most experienced player on Miami's roster, the Dolphins opted to start the rookie after Tagovailoa's struggles this season.

Tagovailoa, who is now in his sixth NFL season, has thrown for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. After Tagovailoa had 253 yards, a pair of touchdowns and an interception in a 28-25 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Mike McDaniel said a quarterback change was "on the table."

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"Disappointed," Tagovailoa told reporters Wednesday when asked about the benching. "I'm not happy about it, but something out of my control."

Tagovailoa will serve as the team's emergency third-string quarterback, with Zach Wilson backing up Ewers. The Dolphins have little to play for going into Sunday's matchup, as they're sitting at 6-8 on the season and are virtually out of playoff contention.