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Rookie QB Ewers Starts for Dolphins
17 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Quinn Ewers, drafted 231st overall, gets first career start Sunday.
- Miami benches $53 million QB Tua Tagovailoa for rookie.
- Ewers follows Brock Purdy's path as seventh-round starting QB.
Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel will hand the starting quarterback position to rookie Quinn Ewers for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This decision comes after the team's eighth loss of the season, leading to Tua Tagovailoa being benched. Ewers, the final quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL Draft at pick 231, will make his NFL debut as a starter.
Ewers brings a decorated collegiate career from the University of Texas, where he threw for 9,128 yards and 76 touchdowns, leading the Longhorns to two College Football Playoff semifinals. Despite durability and turnover concerns that saw him drop in draft projections, Ewers impressed during training camp. His selection by the Dolphins, even with Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson on the roster, suggests a search for promising signs amidst a difficult season.
The Dolphins are hoping Ewers can replicate the impact of Brock Purdy, who similarly stepped in as a seventh-round rookie for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. Purdy's success in leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game offers a potential blueprint. Miami aims for Ewers' quick release and processing skills to fit their RPO-heavy offense as they finish the season against the Buccaneers and Patriots.
