**Dolphins Name Rookie Quinn Ewers Starting QB After Playoff Hopes Collapse**
Key Takeaways:
- Quinn Ewers will start for the Miami Dolphins in Week 16 against the Bengals
- Dolphins bench Tua Tagovailoa after poor performance and playoff elimination
- Head coach Mike McDaniel confirms passing attack “not up to standard”
Miami, FL — The Miami Dolphins have named rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers the starter for Week 16 after officially being eliminated from playoff contention following a 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move puts veteran Tua Tagovailoa on the bench amid growing concerns about his performance and the team’s direction.
Ewers to Make NFL Debut in Week 16
According to multiple NFL Network insiders, including Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Dolphins will start Quinn Ewers against the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend. The decision comes on the heels of a disappointing prime-time performance in Pittsburgh, where the Dolphins generated just 93 total yards through three quarters. Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed early Wednesday that he would turn to Ewers after describing the team’s passing game as “not up to standard.”
Collapse in Pittsburgh Triggers Change
The Dolphins were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention following the Week 15 loss, which extended their losing streak in sub-40-degree weather to 14 games. Tagovailoa recorded only 65 yards passing through three quarters and tossed his league-leading 15th interception. McDaniel stated, “Everybody has to do better… It’s been a multitude of things,” indicating that the poor offensive showings were the result of systemic issues rather than just quarterback performance.
Time for Ewers Signals Potential Rebuild or Audition
Ewers, a highly touted prospect out of the University of Texas, was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft but has not yet played in an NFL game. His debut now becomes a pivotal storyline for a Dolphins team entering evaluation mode. With postseason hopes dashed, the team is clearly using the remaining two games to assess its roster — particularly at the quarterback position during a time of major uncertainty for the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Quinn Ewers trending?
A: He’s been announced as the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins in Week 16, replacing Tua Tagovailoa after the team was eliminated from playoff contention.
Q: What happens next?
A: Ewers will make his NFL debut this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, with the Dolphins evaluating his performance for long-term potential.
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