Dolphins’ QB Situation: Illness of Zach Wilson Creates Backup Uncertainty Ahead of MetLife Clash
The Miami Dolphins have made a significant update to their injury report as they prepare for an upcoming showdown at MetLife Stadium. Backup quarterback Zach Wilson, a familiar face in New York after starting his career with the Jets, has been listed as questionable due to an illness. This unexpected development raises questions about Miami’s quarterback depth as they gear up for the game.
Zach Wilson’s Journey and Current Status
Wilson was drafted second overall by the Jets in 2021, spending three seasons in New York before transitioning to the Dolphins this offseason, following a stint with the Denver Broncos in 2024. Throughout the current season, Wilson has primarily served as the Dolphins’ No. 2 quarterback, making appearances in every game except for Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns when Miami opted for a different backup strategy.
In his limited action this season, Wilson has completed 6 of 9 passes for 32 yards. Should he be unable to suit up, rookie Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round pick, is poised to step in as the backup to starter Tua Tagovailoa. Ewers had a brief appearance against the Browns, completing 5 of 8 passes in a challenging 31-6 defeat.
Weather Considerations Ahead of Kickoff
As the Dolphins prepare to face the Jets, weather conditions in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are expected to hover just above 40 degrees at kickoff. This forecast has sparked discussions about Miami’s historical struggles in colder climates, particularly for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. However, critics argue that such narratives oversimplify the issue.
The Dolphins’ challenges in colder weather often coincide with facing strong opponents rather than simply the temperature. Notable losses, such as the Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers in 2024, the playoff defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023, and the December 2022 loss to the Buffalo Bills, demonstrate that Miami has had difficulty securing victories against playoff-caliber teams, regardless of the weather.
Interestingly, the last game the Dolphins played at MetLife Stadium also kicked off at 40 degrees, resulting in a 32-20 loss to the Jets in the 2024 season finale. Observers note that the weather factors affecting Tagovailoa more significantly include wind and rain, as seen in the recent loss to Cleveland.
Coaching Carousel and Weaver’s Potential Move
As the season progresses, discussions around coaching candidates intensify, with names swirling in the rumor mill. Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has emerged as a potential head coaching candidate, as highlighted in a recent article. In his second season with Miami after taking over from Vic Fangio, Weaver’s success could lead to compensatory picks for the Dolphins if he secures a head coaching position elsewhere next offseason.
In addition to Weaver, several former Dolphins assistants, including Lou Anarumo, Anthony Campanile, and Vance Joseph, have also been mentioned among the hot coaching prospects. Notably, Chris Shula, the grandson of the legendary Don Shula and currently with the Los Angeles Rams, has gained attention as well.
As the Dolphins prepare for their MetLife clash, the quarterback situation remains fluid, and the coaching landscape continues to evolve, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup ahead.
