Dolphins vs. Buccaneers live updates: see Quinn Ewers’ first TD pass
The cross-state matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers just kicked off.
Keep it locked here for all of your in-game updates.
BIG WASHINGTON RETURN
After Tampa Bay pulled to within 17-10, Malik Washington spun out of traffic, and maneuvered around several defenders, for a 44-yard kickoff return. Ollie Gordon II had a good block on the play. That set up Riley Patterson’s 31-yard field goal to push Miami’s lead to 20-10 early in the fourth.
BUCS CLOSE TO WITHIN A TOUCHDOWN
After the Dolphins lost 12 yards on a three-and-out to start the third quarter, Tampa Bay marched 50 yards in 12 plays in 8:06, setting up Chase McLaughlin’s 33-yard field goal to trim Miami’s lead to 17-10.
Baker Mayfield escaped Dolphins pass rushers and scrambled for first downs on two third down plays on that drive.
EWERS AND WEASE CONNECT FOR TOUCHDOWN
Talk about impressive.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers found his fellow rookie receiver Theo Wease Jr. for the 63-yard touchdown to tie up the game in the first quarter. This also happened to be both rookies’ first touchdowns.
Love to see the rookies connecting, especially after last week’s pass ended with an interception.
INACTIVES
Aaron Brewer’s starting streak has officially come to an end.
The Miami Dolphins center will be inactive Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he deals with a neck injury. He had started 66 consecutive games dating back to 2022.
Brewer has been incredible in 2025, emerging as one of the best at his position this season. He has battled various injuries through the season, yet the neck injury must’ve been too cumbersome to overcome.
“I’m a tough guy; I live on toughness,” Brewer said Friday. “If I’m able to move around, walk and do my job efficiently, I’ll go out there and play.”
Offensive lineman Andrew Meyer, who was elevated from injured reserve on Saturday, will likely start in his place.
Other inactives include safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf), receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, edge rusher Derrick McLendon and tackle Kendall Lamm. The latter trio — Westbrook-Ikhine, McLendon and Lamm — are all healthy scratches. Tua Tagovailoa will once again serve as the emergency third quarterback for the second consecutive game.
PREGAME READING
- Dolphins activate Andrew Meyer, put three players on IR, make seven roster moves
- Here’s everything you need to know about Sunday’s Dolphins-Bucs game
- After a lackluster performance vs. Bengals, Dolphins defense aims to upset Bucs
- Kelly: Bradley Chubb has millions on the line in Dolphins’ final two games | Opinion
- Cote’s Hot Button Top 10: Miami-Ohio State, CFP quarters, Dolphins-Bucs and more
This story was originally published December 28, 2025 at 12:16 PM.
