The Miami Dolphins have placed starting quarterback Malik Willis on injured reserve, according to sources who spoke with ESPN on Tuesday. The move is due to a groin injury that has plagued the player for the past two weeks, leaving the team without its primary signal caller for a minimum of four weeks.
Although Willis has been receiving treatment on the injury, it did not limit his availability for practice or games in the recent past. However, his performance has been visibly affected over the last two contests. Through the first seven weeks of the season, Willis ranked second among all NFL quarterbacks with 37 rushing yards per game. That average dropped significantly, as he recorded just seven rushing yards in each of his final two appearances.
Following Miami's defeat by the Detroit Lions last week, Willis acknowledged that his groin felt tight but did not provide further details. Head coach Jeff Hafley noted that the injury restricted Willis' ability to utilize his mobile style of play. Hafley observed that while Willis managed to gain some yards against a strong defensive line, he was unable to reach full speed.
The Dolphins committed to Willis this offseason by signing him to a three-year contract worth $67.5 million, with plans to build the team around him for the next two seasons. In his first year as a starter, Willis has completed 58.2 percent of his passes for 1,396 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. He delivered his two best performances in Weeks 7 and 8, combining for 419 passing yards and four touchdowns with only one interception. However, his completion percentage fell to a season-low 52 percent in the loss to Detroit.
Willis has served as a vocal leader for the Dolphins, including being named a team captain for the first time in his career this season. His absence marks another significant loss for the team's leadership group. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler is expected to miss the rest of the season after tearing his biceps in the recent loss to the Lions. Additionally, running back De'Von Achane will also sit out the remainder of the campaign following an ACL injury sustained in Week 3.
With Willis out until at least the Week 14 matchup against the Chicago Bears, the Dolphins will turn to backup quarterback Kyle McCord. McCord was acquired via trade in August, and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan expressed confidence in his ability to manage the offense. Sullivan described McCord as a reliable player who processes the game quickly and throws accurate passes.
Sullivan added that he had been following McCord since his college days and through the preseason, believing he had the potential to succeed in the role. The general manager stated that while the team prefers Willis on the field, McCord provides a viable option to keep the offense competitive and give the Dolphins a chance to win.
McCord will face a varied schedule over the next month. The Dolphins are scheduled for back-to-back away games against the Indianapolis Colts and the Buffalo Bills. They will then host the New York Jets before traveling to face the Denver Broncos. These opponents rank 17th, 29th, fourth, and 24th respectively in the league for passing yards allowed per game.
