In a dramatic and unexpected shift, the Miami Dolphins have decided to bench their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. The franchise will hand the reins to seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers for this Sunday's crucial game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
A Sudden Shift After Steelers Loss
The bold decision was announced on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, just days after the team suffered a demoralising 28-15 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This loss appears to have been the final catalyst for the coaching staff, signalling a deep level of frustration within the organisation regarding the team's direction and performance at the quarterback position.
What This Means for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins
Benching Tua Tagovailoa is not a minor adjustment; it is a seismic move that throws the franchise's long-term plans into question. Tagovailoa, once seen as the cornerstone of the Dolphins' future, now faces immense uncertainty. This move suggests the team's leadership is willing to evaluate all options, even turning to a largely untested rookie during a turbulent season.
The pressure now falls squarely on rookie Quinn Ewers. The young quarterback, selected in the seventh round of the draft, will make his first NFL start in a high-pressure environment against a formidable Bengals defence. His performance will be scrutinised not just for the outcome of one game, but for what it might mean for the Dolphins' strategy in the upcoming offseason.
Looking Ahead to the Bengals Clash
All eyes will be on Hard Rock Stadium this Sunday when the Dolphins, led by Ewers, host Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. The matchup becomes instantly more intriguing with this quarterback controversy as its backdrop. Key questions will dominate the pre-game talk:
- Can Quinn Ewers provide a spark for the struggling Dolphins offence?
- Is this a permanent change or a short-term wake-up call for Tua Tagovailoa?
- How will the Dolphins' locker room react to this sudden change in leadership?
The decision to start Ewers over Tagovailoa is one of the biggest stories of the NFL season. It reflects a team in crisis and desperately searching for answers. The result of Sunday's game and Ewers' performance will have significant ramifications for the future of several key figures in Miami.
