## Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Downgraded to Doubtful vs. Browns; Tyler Huntley in Line to Start
### Tagovailoa’s Hip Injury Casts Doubt on Availability
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns due to a hip injury. Tagovailoa suffered the injury in the Dolphins’ Week 16 victory over the Green Bay Packers and has been limited in practice this week.
If Tagovailoa is unable to play, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley is expected to make his first NFL start. Huntley has appeared in 11 games over the past two seasons, completing 62.5% of his passes for 732 yards, four touchdowns, and four interceptions.
### Dolphins’ Playoff Hopes Hinge on Tagovailoa’s Status
The Dolphins’ playoff hopes are hanging in the balance as they enter the final week of the regular season. Miami is currently 8-8 and tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the final AFC Wild Card spot. A win over the Browns would secure the Dolphins’ postseason berth, while a loss would eliminate them from playoff contention.
Tagovailoa’s absence would be a major blow to the Dolphins’ offense. The second-year quarterback has thrown for 2,859 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions this season while completing 66.3% of his passes. He has also rushed for 235 yards and 3 touchdowns.
### Huntley’s Potential for Success
If Huntley does start, he will face a tough challenge against a Browns defense that ranks fifth in the NFL in points allowed. However, Huntley has shown flashes of potential in his limited opportunities.
In last week’s win over the Atlanta Falcons, Huntley completed 13 of 19 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 26 yards on four carries.
### Dolphins’ Other Injury Concerns
In addition to Tagovailoa’s hip injury, the Dolphins have several other players who are questionable for Sunday’s game. These include wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ankle), running back Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), and cornerback Xavien Howard (groin).
The Dolphins will need all hands on deck if they are to defeat the Browns and secure a playoff berth. However, Tagovailoa’s injury status will be a major factor in determining their chances of success.
### Conclusion
The Dolphins’ playoff hopes are hanging in the balance as they enter the final week of the regular season. If Tua Tagovailoa is unable to play, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley will be tasked with leading the team to a victory over the Browns. While Huntley has shown flashes of potential, he will face a tough challenge against a strong Browns defense. The Dolphins’ other injury concerns will also need to be monitored as they prepare for their must-win game on Sunday.