Dolphins vs. Bengals live updates: watch De’Von Achane’s 48-yard TD run
First-time starter Quinn Ewers completed 10-of-12 passes for 109 yards in the first half as the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback.
The 2025 seventh-round pick, who replaced Tua Tagovailoa to become the 27th quarterback to start a game since Dan Marino retired, also gained 5-yards on one carry after scrambling out of a sack.
Ewers targeted Jaylen Waddle six times in the firs half, and Waddle brought down four of those passes for 54 receiving yards, and he also completed three passes to Darren Waller for 40 yards.....
TRADER HANDLING NICKEL ROLE
The Dolphins have safety Dante Trader Jr. serving as the nickel cornerback, replacing Minkah Fitzpatrick as the defensive back who defenses the opposition’s slot receiver.
Trader, who has primarily worked as Miami’s free safety when on the field as defender hadn’t played that role all season. Rookie Jason Marshall Jr. began the season as Miami’s nickel cornerback, but Fitzpatrick inherited that role when Marshall suffered a lower leg injury in the first month of the season and was placed on injured reserve.
Marshall also played significant snaps on defense on Sunday, a game where Fitzpatrick was inactive because of a calf injury he suffered in last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
ACHANE TIES IT UP
Talk about gone.
When De’Von Achane can hit that second level of the defense untouched, you better believe he might his head on the goal post.
That’s exactly what happened when he took a handoff 48 yards to the house. After Riley Patterson nailed the extra point, the game was tied 7-7.
SOLID COVERAGE YIELDS SACK
Make that 5.5 for Zach Sieler.
The star defensive tackle notched yet another sack for the third time in three weeks. This one occurred on the Bengals’ opening drive.
Miami’s defensive backs had great man-to-man coverage, which led to the sack.
ROOKIE QBs
Quinn Ewers will be the ninth rookie quarterback in franchise history to start a game.
That list includes Skylar Thompson (2022), Tua Tagovailoa (2020), Ryan Tannehill (2012), John Beck (2007), Dan Marino (1983), David Woodley (1980), Bob Griese (1967) and Rick Norton (1966).
INACTIVES
Tua Tagovailoa will officially be a healthy scratch for the first time in 2025.
The former 2020 fifth overall pick will serve as the emergency third quarterback for Sunday’s showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. Four other players – defensive tackle Matthew Butler, tackle Kendall Lamm as well as receivers Nick Westbrook-Ihkine and Tahj Washington – are also all healthy scratches. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf) and cornerback Isaiah Johnson (knee) will also not suit up.
Tagovailoa’s demotion to emergency third quarterback comes days after coach Mike McDaniel elected to bench the one-time Pro Bowler in favor of the rookie Quinn Ewers. Through 14 games, Tagovailoa has thrown a league-high 15 interceptio
PREGAME READING
- Dolphins make four roster moves. And key evaluation coming for Marshall, Trader
- Here’s everything you need to know about Sunday’s Dolphins-Bengals game
- Dolphins’ Brooks said he will play. And more Ewers/Tagovailoa news, fallout
- The Dolphins still have a lot to play for — and that starts with Quinn Ewers
- A look at many Dolphins’ potential QB replacements in draft, trades, free agency
- Kelly: Dolphins franchise must come to terms with the ‘or else’ era it’s in | Opinion
This story was originally published December 21, 2025 at 12:23 PM.
