Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) plans to help rookie Quinn Ewers (14) prepare for his first NFL start against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Fla. Photo by Mariscal/EPA
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is “disappointed” about his recent benching, but plans to help rookie Quinn Ewers prepare for his first NFL start.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel announced Wednesday that Ewers will start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ franchise quarterback, was sent to the bench.
Dolphins backup Zach Wilson will be the second-string quarterback. Tagovailoa will be an emergency third-string option.
“Naturally, I’d say I’m disappointed,” Tagovailoa said at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Fla. “I think it’s a normal human emotion. Outside of that, I’ve gotta do my part.
“My role here right now is to help whoever the quarterback is going to be to lead this team, help in any way I can to win this game on Sunday.”
Tagovailoa completed 67.7% of his throws for 2,660 yards, 20 scores and an NFL-high 15 interceptions through his first 14 starts this season.
The 2023 Pro Bowl selection, who led the NFL in passer rating in 2022, passing yards in 2023 and completion percentage in 2024, is playing on the first year of the $212.4 million extension he signed in 2024.
Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two scores and an interception in a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday in Pittsburgh. He threw 11 interceptions over his last nine games.
The veteran quarterback, who joined the Dolphins as the No. 5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, said his play this season was not impacted by previous injuries, including hip issues and multiple concussions.
“I would say the biggest thing, being honest with myself, had been my performance,” Tagovailoa said. “I haven’t been performing up to the level and up my capabilities as I have in the past.”
He also said he wasn’t “too sure” when asked about why he isn’t playing with the same conviction with which he played in past seasons.
First INT in the Black & Gold @godschild3_
Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/szceXBjRdr pic.twitter.com/3Ej8vSt85R— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 16, 2025
McDaniel said “everything is on the table,” when asked Tuesday about a potential change of his starting quarterback. He also said the Dolphins’ “standard is not being met” and that “something’s got to give” when asked about production from the position.
“I’ve been trying to coach and trying to improve and when things aren’t to the standard, I have to change it,” McDaniel said.
Now, the Dolphins will move on to Ewers, a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Texas quarterback completed 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards in his lone regular-season action this year, a 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 19 in Cleveland.
The Dolphins (6-8) will host the Bengals (4-10) at 1 p.m. EST Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Most iconic Super Bowl moments
John Elway’s first Super Bowl win, 1998Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway lifts the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on January 25, 1998. The win marked Elway’s first Super Bowl title and included his famed “helicopter” run, one of the signature plays of his Hall of Fame career. Photo by Mickey Pfleger/UPI | License Photo
