In a dramatic end-of-season move, the Miami Dolphins have decided to bench their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, for their final game of the 2025 NFL campaign.
A Quarterback Change for the Finale
According to a report from ESPN's trusted NFL insider Adam Schefter, head coach Mike McDaniel is making a significant switch at the sport's most pivotal position. After a challenging season for the team, the coach is moving on from the high-profile $212 million signal-caller Tagovailoa.
Instead, the starting role for Week 18 will be handed to rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers. This decision comes as the Dolphins, already eliminated from playoff contention, prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday.
The Context of the Decision
The move follows what has been described as a season of struggle for Tua Tagovailoa. Despite his substantial contract and proven talent, the 2025 campaign did not meet the expectations set for the Dolphins' offensive leader. This has prompted the coaching staff to look towards the future in their final outing.
Starting rookie Quinn Ewers provides the organisation with a valuable opportunity to evaluate their young prospect under genuine regular-season pressure. It is a chance for Ewers to gain crucial experience and for the Dolphins' management to assess his readiness for a potential larger role in the seasons to come.
Implications and Looking Ahead
This quarterback benching is a major headline in the NFL world, signalling a potential turning point for the Miami franchise. The performance of Quinn Ewers against the Bengals will be intensely scrutinised, as it could influence the team's strategy in the upcoming offseason.
For Tua Tagovailoa, being sidelined for the finale marks a disappointing conclusion to a difficult year. It raises immediate questions about his long-term future as the undisputed starter in Miami, setting the stage for a compelling offseason of evaluation and decision-making for the Dolphins' hierarchy.
