The Miami Dolphins may not have a great chance of claiming the final wild-card playoff spot in the AFC, but they’re still in the hunt, and earning it would mean going to the postseason for a third straight year, something they haven’t done in over 20 years.
They will need to defeat the New York Jets in Week 18 but would also need the Kansas City Chiefs to down the Denver Broncos, which may not happen as the Chiefs are expected to sit Patrick Mahomes and some other regulars.
Another appearance in the playoffs isn’t impossible for Miami, and one has to wonder if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has a hip ailment, would be able to play if it gets there.
Despite sitting out again in Week 18, he said he would be available for a postseason game no matter what.
“If the cards play out the way they should … I’m going to be available next week. There’s no ifs, ands or buts. I’ll be playing. That’s for sure,” Tagvailoa said, via FinsXtra.
🎥 Tua Tagovailoa on if he believes he can play next week if the Miami Dolphins make the playoffs: “If the cards play out the way they should… I’m going to be available next week, there’s no ifs, ands or buts. I’ll be playing.” (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/ERSFn3Zr6v
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) January 3, 2025
This has been a rough year for Tagovailoa, who missed four games because of the third diagnosed concussion of his NFL career and then didn’t play in Week 17 because of his current injury.
But when he has been available, he has played fairly well, throwing for 2,867 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 11 games and leading the NFL with a 72.9 percent pass completion rate.
Shortly after he returned from his most recent concussion, the Dolphins started to take off and they have won six of their past eight games.
But in all likelihood, it looks like his earlier absence will end up costing them a playoff appearance and a chance at possibly pulling off an upset.
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