During the first quarter of last week’s 30-9 win over the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill went down and left the game with a left knee and thigh injury. Back up quarterback Matt Moore came in and played well to help secure the Dolphins fourth win of the season.
Tannehill’s availability for this weekend’s match-up against fellow rookie quarterback Andrew Luck has been up in the air, but Tannehill took all of the first team snaps in today’s practice after just going through passing drills on Wednesday. The Palm Beach Post’s Ben Volin shared some notes on Tannehill’s progress.
Tannehill is still clearly favoring his knee, but it doesn’t appear to be anything that will keep him out of Sunday’s game against the Colts. He showed good mobility on Thursday, both in dropping back from under center and in rolling out of the pocket, and had a few nice throws on the run.
At this point, it would be a shocker if Tannehill doesn’t play Sunday, although his knee could potentially stiffen on the flight to Indianapolis on Saturday. Matt Moore, who led the Dolphins to a 30-9 win last week, is a good insurance policy.
Tannehill was the eighth overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft and the third quarterback taken behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, both of whom have had spectacular rookie campaigns.
Tannehill hasn’t been discussed as much as Luck or Griffin, which is understandable considering his numbers haven’t been nearly as good as the two drafted ahead of him. Tannehill does have his team trending upward and at 4-3 as the Dolphins approach their game with Luck’s 4-3 Colts.
Should Tannehill not be able to go this weekend, Moore has proven that he’s more than a capable back up. He made some decent plays while managing the game against the Jets. He completed 11 of 19 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown.
