Miami Dolphins Bench Tua Tagovailoa for Rookie Quarterback Ewers

The Miami Dolphins have made a significant change to their starting lineup, benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in favor of seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers for their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This decision comes as the Dolphins aim to improve their performance as the season progresses.

At a press conference on Wednesday, head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized the team’s immediate goal: winning the next three games, focusing particularly on the Bengals. He stated, “I need convicted quarterback play. This team needs convicted quarterback play. I thought Quinn gave us the best chance to do that, and that’s why I did it.”

Tagovailoa has started every game this season, completing 260 of 384 passes for 2,660 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. His interception rate is the highest in the NFL this season, raising concerns about his effectiveness as the team’s leader. In contrast, Ewers has had limited experience in regular-season play, having only appeared in the Dolphins’ 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns on October 19, 2025, where he completed 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards without scoring.

In making this change, Miami bypassed quarterback Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, who has seen limited action with the Dolphins this season, participating in just 23 offensive snaps over three games. McDaniel confirmed that Wilson will serve as Ewers’ backup, while Tagovailoa will be available as an emergency third quarterback.

Tagovailoa’s tenure as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback has been marked by impressive statistics in previous seasons. In 2023, he led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards. However, injuries have plagued his career, with a concussion and hip injury sidelining him for six games last season. His current season statistics reflect a decline: his completion rate has dropped by 5%, and he averages 70.6 fewer passing yards per game than in 2024.

McDaniel acknowledged the complexities surrounding Tagovailoa’s performance, stating, “There’s compounding variables that you can’t just pinpoint one or two things. And I still believe his growth can continue, but I couldn’t responsibly play this next game when I thought what the team needed was available.”

The financial implications of releasing Tagovailoa after this season could be significant for the Dolphins. According to NFL salary cap rules, doing so would result in a substantial penalty, consuming about one-third of Miami’s cap space for the 2026 season.

As the Dolphins prepare for their matchup against the Bengals, both teams are looking to overcome disappointing seasons. The Dolphins currently hold a record of 4-10, while the Bengals share a similar fate, making this game crucial for both squads. The kickoff is scheduled for noon CST on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

This decision marks a pivotal moment in the 2025 season, showcasing the Dolphins’ commitment to seeking immediate improvement on the field while navigating the challenges of player performance and team dynamics.