The Miami Dolphins thought they dodged a bullet when starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s left knee showed no structural damage after undergoing an MRI. However, they thought wrong as Tannehill may need season-ending surgery, according to Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington of ESPN. Earlier, Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel reported that Tannehill’s knee showed no structural damage but the Dolphins cannot determine how long their quarterback will be out of action.
Schefter and Darlington reported that the Dolphins and Tannehill will get a second and third opinion on the quarterback’s left knee before making a decision, which is expected after several days.
Last season, Tannehill suffered a sprained left ACL and MCL that ended his season after 13 games. Instead of undergoing surgery to fully address the injury, the quarterback opted for stem cell treatment. A source described Tannehill’s knee as a “ticking time bomb that can go off anytime”.
Dolphins thin at quarterback
Currently, the Dolphins are thin at quarterback with Matt Moore as the backup. Moore started the last three regular-season games and the wild-card showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Moore completed 55 of 87 passes for 721 yards and eight touchdowns with three interceptions. In their 30-12 loss to the Steelers, he completed 29 of 36 passes for 289 yards and a touchdown with an interception.
The Dolphins also have Brandon Doughty and David Fales as third and fourth signal-callers but reports indicated that they both struggled to play with the third team.
Jay Cutler to postpone broadcasting career
According to Josina Anderson of ESPN, the Dolphins' front office tackled the possibility of signing Jay Cutler, who expressed willingness to postpone his broadcasting career with Fox Sports for a chance to start with Miami.
Darlington said Cutler would be willing to sign with the Dolphins if he will be assured of the starting spot and a contract worthy of a starting quarterback. Cutler was cut by the Bears last season after eight years as the starter. He left the team as the Bears’ all-time leader in passing yards (23,443) and touchdowns (154).
Last year, Cutler threw for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns with five interceptions in just five games before undergoing a season-ending shoulder surgery.
The Dolphins are also considering free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Recently, the Baltimore Ravens expressed interest in adding the controversial signal-caller but the team owner has been resisting the deal.
