Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been downgraded to doubtful ahead of their must-win matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
A day before the game, Adam Schefter reported that the Dolphins star is dealing with a hip injury that he hopes to overcome.
Tyler Huntley would likely replace him in the starting lineup if he can't be released, according to Schefter.
Tagovailoa initially suffered the injury during the Dolphins' loss to the Houston Texans in Week 15. However, he overcame the pain and finished the contest.
Miami's postseason quest leaves them no room for error after a 29-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers last week, during which Tagovailoa played and recorded 215 yards and a touchdown.
The Dolphins must win their next two games against the Browns and Jets to keep their playoff dreams alive. However, two consecutive victories do not guarantee them a playoff spot.
Tua Tagovailoa doubtful against Browns on Sunday with hip injury
Tagovailoa reportedly suffered the injury in Week 15 against the Texans but continued to play.
Mike McDaniels' men need to win their last two games and various combinations of losses to the Chargers, Colts and Broncos to get ahead and get on the field.
The Chargers and Broncos, with records of 9-6, play Saturday. If both teams emerge victorious in their respective games, Miami could be eliminated from contention before reaching Cleveland.
While their chances aren't promising, McDaniel is confident his players are on the same page with a common goal in mind.
“This team, what they've really been through and what they've fought for, it's not a difficult task seeing as how we have a one-game season and our chances of making the playoffs are on the line,” McDaniel said.
“That's been a driving force, it really is for our locker room and our coaching staff, they really want to play the type of football that we felt like we weren't able to achieve in some parts of the season.”
Tagovailoa, who suffered a concussion earlier this season, also talked about how his teammates should be grateful for what lies ahead.
“It's an opportunity and I don't think any of us on our team should take it for granted,” the quarterback said. “This is something we've worked very hard for to be in the positions we are in now, to be able to play in the NFL.
“That in itself has been a dream, so you have to short-circuit it and say, 'Oh no, we'll get it next year.'” Well, how do you even know that there will be a next year for your career or that there will be a next game for you? “You never know when you're weighing those options.”
After a 6-2 start this season, the Dolphins managed to climb to 7-8 as the second-ranked team in the AFC East.
So far this season, Tagovailoa has completed 291 of 399 passes for 2,867 yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 appearances.