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Marcel Louis-JacquesESPN
MIAMI — Rookie Skylar Thompson will formally make his third profession begin for the Miami Dolphins throughout Sunday's wild-card playoff recreation in opposition to the Buffalo Bills.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel confirmed the information throughout his information convention Friday, including that veteran Teddy Bridgewater had labored tirelessly to make himself obtainable in a backup position come Sunday.
Starter Tua Tagovailoa stays within the concussion protocol after struggling his second concussion of the season within the recreation in opposition to the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 25. Bridgewater dislocated the pinkie finger on his throwing hand the next week, paving the way in which for Thompson to begin the staff's regular-season finale in opposition to the New York Jets previous to Sunday's recreation in opposition to the Payments.
“Clearly, it is a aim of mine to be a starter and be in a majority of these conditions,” Thompson stated. “You simply by no means know what that is going to appear like precisely, and the way in which that issues have performed out this 12 months to the place I've had alternative to play a bit bit and have a chance like this this weekend, it is loopy.
“However I am very, very excited for it. That is what I've labored for for a really very long time. So it is time to soak it in, have enjoyable with it and do the perfect that I might help this staff win.”
The Dolphins chosen Thompson within the seventh spherical of this 12 months's draft out of Kansas State. He made six appearances in the course of the common season, greater than half of which coming as mid-game reduction for an injured starter.
Miami and Buffalo cut up their regular-season collection, every successful at dwelling. The Dolphins ran for 188 yards in opposition to the Payments in Week 15, however operating again Jeff Wilson Jr. says he does not suppose they essentially must implement a run-heavy script simply due to their quarterback state of affairs.
“The best way Skylar is creating and studying the performs and getting extra snug enjoying the quarterback place in our offense, I really feel like we do not have to change all of these issues,” Wilson stated. “We simply need to play good, complementary soccer … the run received to assist the move, the move received to assist the run, and that is how we win the sport.”
McDaniel didn't replace the statuses for OT Terron Armstead or RB Raheem Mostert, neither of whom practiced Wednesday or Thursday. Their availability will possible come right down to a game-time choice.
