Tua Tagovailoa received some bad news from the Miami Dolphins this week. After registering 22-of-28 completed passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and one interception — one of his stronger performances of late — the team told Tagovailoa that he has lost his spot as Miami’s starting quarterback.
Taking his place for the Dolphins’ next game is Quinn Ewers, who will get his first career start when they face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday in a home game at Hard Rock Stadium. A new development surrounding Tagovailoa surfaced on Thursday, with teammate Jaylen Waddle providing an update on how the Pro Bowl quarterback has reacted to his recent benching.
Advertisement
Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins desperately need a Week 7 win over the Cleveland Browns.Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Tagovailoa is now in his sixth season with the Dolphins. He has been Miami’s starting quarterback since the team drafted him fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. In 14 appearances this season, Tagovailoa has registered 260-of-384 completed passes (67.7%) for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns and a league-high 15 interceptions.
The Dolphins will miss the playoffs, marking the second straight year they won’t play in the postseason. They enter Week 16 against the Bengals with a 6-8 record, and head coach Mike McDaniel made a major decision about the team’s quarterback situation.
Advertisement
Ewers, a seventh-round rookie out of Texas, has been named Miami’s new QB1 — at least for their next game. Not only did Ewers take the starting gig from Tagovailoa, but the 22-year-old has also surpassed backup QB Zach Wilson in the pecking order.
According to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, however, Tagovailoa has been nothing but supportive of Ewers despite his recent demotion. This report comes via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
“Tua is taking active role in preparing Ewers for Sunday, Waddle says. He’s ‘helping a lot, definitely in his ear. He still has got that leadership role of the team,’” Jackson reported on X.
Advertisement
Tagovailoa has decided to keep the team’s best interest ahead of his own. Losing the QB1 role is an undeniably tough blow for the veteran, but he’s opted to remain committed to the team by doing what he can to support Ewers.
The Dolphins host the Bengals at home on Sunday, with kickoff from Hard Rock Stadium scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
Related: Zach Wilson Reacts to Dolphins’ Decision After Tua Tagovailoa Benching
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.