Miami Dolphins Name Starting Quarterback For Wildcard Round

The Miami Dolphins have put an end to any and all speculation regarding their starting quarterback for their all-important Wildcard Round showdown with the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Wednesday that the team will proceed as if quarterback Skylar Thompson will start on Sunday.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said they're planning for Skylar Thompson to start at QB on Sunday in Buffalo.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 11, 2023

The Dolphins had been holding out hope leading passer Tua Tagovailoa would be able to play, but he has yet to clear protocol after suffering a concussion in Week 16's 26-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Top backup Teddy Bridgewater injured his hand in the Dolphins' Week 17 23-21 loss to the New England Patriots. That leaves Thompson as the only quarterback healthy enough to play.

Thompson was drafted 247th overall by the Dolphins in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the rookie has shown himself to be a substantial downgrade from the Dolphins' top two quarterbacks. Over his 105 passes this season, Thompson has thrown three interceptions and managed a 62.2 passer rating. QB2 Bridgewater has managed an 85.6 rating on 79 pass attempts, and QB1 Tagovailoa averaged a league-best 105.5 rating over his 13 starts.

Barring an unexpected and borderline legendary performance from Thompson on Sunday, the Dolphins are likely looking at a quick playoff exit against the powerhouse Bills this weekend. Buffalo managed an AFC-best +169 point differential over 16 games this season.