Dolphins’ McDaniel addresses starting QB, Phillips trade, Grier exit, injuries
In the wake of an NFL Network report that Tua Tagovailoa could be benched this season if he continues to struggle, Mike McDaniel on Monday reiterated his commitment to his quarterback, but indicated that he would be open to replacing any player who doesn’t give the team the best chance to win.
Asked specifically if Tagovailoa will start for the remainder of the season if healthy, McDaniel did not offer a yes or no answer. But he said: “I am far from even going that direction of would have, could have, possible things.”
He said Tagovailoa gives the Dolphins “the best chance to win” against visiting Buffalo this week. “When [a player] doesn’t give you the best chance to win, you adjust. We play the players who give us the best chance to win.
“If that changes, we adjust there.... As a franchise quarterback, we’ve shown our belief in him by putting... resources toward him.”
He added that in general, “all things in football are on the table... For conjectures for a headline, I don’t see how that helps the Miami Dolphins” to answer about whether the quarterback will unquestionably start every game the rest of the season.
NFL Network said that McDaniel might turn to Zach Wilson or Quinn Ewers if Tagovailoa struggles.
Meanwhile, McDaniel reacted to the trade that sent Jaelan Phillips to Philadelphia for a third round pick.
He said “sometimes the best interests of the team in the longterm doesn’t necessarily overlap with the best interests of one game, of one player... I have a high regard and a lot of investment into Jaelan Phillips.
“That part of the business I absolutely dislike having to say goodbye to a player. I understand it was a trade we got back compensation; I understand the value of that compensation. Nobody wants to lose a good player.”
McDaniel said it’s undetermined if the Dolphins will make any more trades before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. NFL trade deadline, adding “sometimes there are more reports than actual reality.”
He said the team hasn’t made any other “major moves” because “it didn’t make sense” for the team.
McDaniel said owner Stephen Ross informed him of Chris Grier’s exit as general manager last Friday.
“We worked together every day,” McDaniel said of Grier. “I’m a human being. Whether it’s football or life things, that’s an emotional toll when you realize things are going to be different. But none of my job, or what people depend on me for, has anything to do with my feelings.”
He said new interim GM Champ Bailey “adds value in how he comes to work every day. Has energy, is very team oriented. Has history in this type of scenario, having been interim GM once before [with the Raiders]. He will take those lessons and help us collectively do the best thing for the team.”
As for injuries, McDaniel did not rule out cornerback Rasul Douglas (toe) for the Bills game.
“We will see [how his body responds] and if he can go on Sunday,” McDaniel said.
Edge player Chop Robinson is working through concussion protocol. Because of the Phillips trade, Robinson’s snaps assuredly will increase when he’s healthy.
This story was originally published November 3, 2025 at 2:29 PM.
