Dolphins' 2025 Season: Tua's Injuries Bring Zach Wilson into Focus

Miami, USA - The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads as they head into the 2025 season under head coach Mike McDaniel. Having been at the helm for three years, McDaniel’s record stands at 28 wins to 23 losses, a victory percentage of 55%. The previous season ended with a respectable 11-6 record, but the team’s recent history shows a mix of ups and downs with finishes of 9-8 and 8-9 in the past two years. As the new season approaches, predictions are swirling that the Dolphins may only secure seven or eight victories this time around, raising questions about McDaniel’s job security going forward, as Lavelez reports.

At the heart of the Dolphins’ uncertainty is their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who has endured a series of injuries throughout his career. Last season, he had to sit out six games due to concussions, contributing to an alarming tally of 16 games missed since he joined the team. Notably, 2023 was the only season where Tagovailoa remained unscathed, leading the league in passing yards with 4,624 and finishing fifth in both touchdowns and passer rating. However, his injury history raises eyebrows and poses a significant question: can he stay healthy? As Sporting News points out, injuries have plagued Tagovailoa since his college days, with incidents ranging from a serious hip injury to multiple concussions and other ailments.

Quarterback Depth and Strategy

In response to Tagovailoa’s injury prone status, the Dolphins have made some strategic moves in the offseason. They’ve signed veteran quarterback Zach Wilson and drafted Quinn Ewers, showcasing a commitment to securing depth at the position. Wilson, who has a history of ups and downs, recorded 6,293 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions in his previous stints with the Jets and Broncos. His time with the Broncos was marked by inactivity—he did not play at all in 2024—but he is seen as a gamble worth taking as the backup quarterback. Reports indicate he showed improvement under coach Sean Payton, but he remains something of an enigma, as detailed by Sports Illustrated.

Ewers, with impressive stats from his college career at Texas—including 3,472 passing yards and 31 touchdowns in 2024—will step in as the third-string option. He is viewed as a fitting choice for the Dolphins‘ offensive scheme although he may only play if two quarterbacks ahead of him face injuries. Meanwhile, Brett Gabbert, younger brother of former NFL quarterback Blaine Gabbert, rounds out the roster but is not expected to make the opening day lineup, primarily serving in a practice support role.

As the Dolphins approach training camp on July 22, the focus will undoubtedly be on how Tua can manage his health and whether Wilson can step up should his number be called. With significant playtime anticipated for Wilson, he’s got a unique chance to prove himself and provide stability, while also keeping the team’s playoff hopes alive in a competitive landscape. In the end, can the Dolphins find a way to rise above the uncertainty? Only time will tell.