NFL News Roundup: Tua Tagovailoa Limited, Huntley to Start for Ravens, Dobbs to Start for 49ers
As the NFL prepares for Week 17 matchups, several key injury developments have emerged, with the quarterback positions of the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers being impacted.
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa Limited, Skylar Thompson to Start
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been limited in practice this week due to a hip injury, and backup Skylar Thompson is expected to start Sunday against the New England Patriots. Tagovailoa, who has been dealing with a hip issue since the team’s Week 16 loss to the Green Bay Packers, is officially listed as questionable for the game.
Thompson, a rookie seventh-round pick from Kansas State, made his first career start in Week 16 and completed 12 of 22 passes for 104 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Dolphins are looking to secure a playoff berth with a win over the Patriots, but they will face a formidable challenge without their starting quarterback.
Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Huntley to Start at Quarterback
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is out for the season with a knee injury, and backup Tyler Huntley is set to make his fourth start of the year in Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Huntley has shown promise in his limited opportunities, completing 67.8% of his passes with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Ravens have won two of the three games that Huntley has started this season, and they will need him to continue playing at a high level to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bengals defense has allowed the third-fewest passing yards in the NFL this season, but Huntley will be looking to exploit their weaknesses with his mobility and playmaking ability.
San Francisco 49ers: Josh Dobbs to Start at Quarterback
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy suffered a UCL injury in his throwing elbow in Sunday’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and backup Josh Dobbs is expected to start in his place in Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Purdy, who had been filling in for the injured Trey Lance, is expected to miss the rest of the regular season.
Dobbs, a former Tennessee Volunteer, has limited NFL experience, having appeared in just six games over the past four seasons. He has completed 10 of 17 passes for 92 yards and one touchdown in his career. The 49ers will be looking for Dobbs to manage the game effectively and make smart decisions with the ball.
These quarterback changes will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the outcomes of Week 17 games. The Dolphins, Ravens, and 49ers will all be looking for their backup quarterbacks to step up and deliver victories in crucial matchups.