Dolphins Bench Tua Tagovailoa for Rookie Quinn Ewers Ahead of Bengals Clash

The Miami Dolphins have made a significant change to their starting lineup, benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers for their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This decision comes as the Dolphins aim to improve their performance in the 2025 NFL season, particularly after struggling in recent games.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel stated, “I need convicted quarterback play. This team needs convicted quarterback play. I thought Quinn gave us the best chance to do that, and that’s why I did it.” The move marks a notable shift for Tagovailoa, who has been Miami’s starting quarterback since his rookie season in 2020, barring injuries.

This season, Tagovailoa has completed 260 of 384 passes for 2,660 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. His interception total is the highest in the league as of now. In contrast, Ewers has limited experience, having only played during a challenging game against the Cleveland Browns on October 19, 2025, where he completed 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions.

In opting for Ewers, Miami has chosen to bypass Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wilson started 33 games for the New York Jets before joining the Dolphins. He has seen minimal action this season, with only 23 offensive snaps across three games.

McDaniel confirmed that Wilson will serve as Ewers’ backup, while Tagovailoa will be the emergency third quarterback. He emphasized the importance of winning the next three games, particularly this Sunday’s matchup against the Bengals, who currently hold a record of 4-10.

Tagovailoa’s performance has faced scrutiny, especially after leading the league in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624 yards. However, injuries have affected his play, and his performance metrics have declined this season, with a completion rate that is 5 percent lower than last year and an interception rate that has more than doubled.

As the Dolphins navigate this pivotal moment, McDaniel reflected on the decision to bench Tagovailoa, acknowledging that there are many factors contributing to the team’s current situation. “There’s compounding variables that you can’t just pinpoint one or two things,” he said. “I still believe his growth can continue, but I couldn’t responsibly play this next game when I thought what the team needed was available.”

The Dolphins face the Bengals at noon CST on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Both teams are looking to improve their standings as the season progresses, making this matchup critical for both franchises.

As the organization looks ahead, they must consider the financial implications of Tagovailoa’s contract. Releasing him after this season could lead to a significant salary cap hit, consuming nearly one-third of Miami’s budget for the 2026 season.

The upcoming game promises to be a crucial test for Ewers, who will be stepping into a high-pressure situation. The outcome may not only define the current season but could also shape the future for the Dolphins and their quarterback lineup.