Dolphins’ McDaniel updates Tagovailoa’s injury and status. Brewer in question
The Dolphins will have their quarterback on Sunday, but they will not have a starting linebacker and might be without their center.
Tua Tagovailoa, who has been dealing with a hip injury and an injury to the thumb on his (left) throwing hand, participated fully in practice on Thursday and will start on Sunday against the visiting Chargers (1 p.m., CBS-4), according to coach Mike McDaniel.
He took all the first team reps in practice this week, backup quarterback Zach Wilson said.
But center Aaron Brewer’s status is in question because of a pectoral injury that has limited him in practice this week. McDaniel said he’s hopeful that Brewer will play Sunday but he’s sure.
Daniel Brunskill is the team’s backup center. Miami’s other two backup centers -- Liam Eichenberg and Andrew Meyer -- remain sidelined. Eichenberg has an undisclosed lower body injury; Meyer sustained an elbow injury in preseason.
Meanwhile, McDaniel ruled out linebacker Tyrel Dodson (concussion) and safety Elijah Campbell (quadriceps) for Sunday’s game.
As for Tagovailoa, the injury is to his right hip, the one that was surgically repaired at Alabama in 2019. But the two injuries are unrelated, McDaniel said. And the injury, which has been listed on the injury report, does not appear to be hindering him.
In November 2019, Tagovailoa had hip surgery to repair a dislocated right hip with a posterior wall fracture. This injury has no connection with that one, according to the coach.
Tagovailoa missed the final two games last season with an injury to his left hip.
McDaniel said wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr., who was poached off the Saints’ practice squad last week, will be available on Sunday. Wilson missed last week while recovering from a minor knee “clean up” procedure.
Cornerback Storm Duck will be listed as questionable for the game; he has been sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in the opener.
McDaniel addressed other issues on Friday:
▪ He said safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is playing some nickel corner because “he’s really good at and feels confident” doing it.
▪ Dolphins first-round pick Kenneth Grant mentioned Thursday that coaches have attended player-led meetings recently.
McDaniel said some of the defensive players requested that coaches attend those meetings, because coaches can help with preparation and provide an extra set of eyes to spot nuances with the opponent.
This story was originally published October 10, 2025 at 11:50 AM.
