The Dolphins start QB Tyler Huntley against the Titans on Monday

Thompson’s start last Sunday was cut short in the third quarter after he took a hard sack from Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson. He would return the ball on the next possession, but another hit forced him out for good. Boyle finished the game but offered little relief in relief as Miami fell 24-3 at Seattle.

Huntley takes over a Dolphins offense that has scored just three points since Tagovailoa went down late in the third quarter of a Thursday night loss that opened Week 2. The veteran’s mobility will provide a new dynamic for a system that relies on speed. It’s also a facet that could circumvent Miami’s struggles in pass protection early in 2024, which could be exacerbated by left tackle Link-Placeholder-0, also ruled out by McDaniel on Saturday.

“I’ve always appreciated quarterbacks with legs,” McDaniel said. “I think it is 100 percent. It’s a competitive advantage. The ability to make plays is a broad, overarching statement. You can do it in many ways. What I expect is that he feels comfortable executing plays in different ways. “The most important thing for me is that he can use his skills in the context of the offense and understands that it’s about the group of individuals who do their job and what’s best this week.

“Everyone knows he can run. I think everyone knows they can pass. He does a good job in both areas. So I expect him to go out and be one eleventh of the formula.”

Huntley’s last start was nine months ago in the regular-season finale in Baltimore, but the 26-year-old has plenty of experience in big games and has found great success in the backup lineup.

He was the Ravens’ saving grace after Lamar Jackson suffered an injury late in the 2022 season, earning three big wins that propelled Baltimore into the postseason. Huntley was impressive in his only playoff start, completing 17 of 29 passes for 226 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, but the Ravens ultimately fell to the Bengals in a one-score road game.

Huntley should be prepared for a homecoming of sorts for the South Florida native. Miami’s offense has plenty of weapons that could help make it a magical night for Huntley should the veteran utilize speedy receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the quick passing game, something Tagovailoa has taken advantage of in his rise to stardom.

The Dolphins (1-2) will face the visiting Titans (0-3) in a Monday night doubleheader at 4:30 p.m. ET.