The Miami Dolphins are benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and turning to rookie Quinn Ewers as their new starter, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday.
Ewers’ first start will come Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Ewers served as the team’s backup quarterback for its Week 7 loss to the Cleveland Browns and briefly entered the game but has otherwise been the Dolphins’ emergency quarterback.
The Dolphins also are releasing veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon, a source told ESPN, confirming a report by NFL Network. After signing with Miami in August, Judon played primarily on special teams and as a rotational pass rusher in 13 games (three starts). After the Dolphins traded linebacker Jaelan Phillips at the deadline, Judon saw increased snaps, but he didn’t record a sack this season. The four-time Pro Bowler will have the chance to sign with a playoff contender if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
Zach Wilson, the former No. 2 overall pick by the New York Jets in the 2021 draft, is also on the Dolphins’ roster. It isn’t clear if he or Tagovailoa would serve as Ewers’ backup Sunday.
ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques contributed to this report.
