MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Two preseason games are in the books for the Miami Dolphins under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the team has a serious problem at the backup quarterback spot.
Malik Willis, after playing one series in Miami's preseason-opening loss to the Washington Commanders, didn't play in Saturday's 26-3 loss to the New York Giants at Hard Rock Stadium, and Quinn Ewers was inactive because of a groin injury.
Ewers did participate in light throwing sessions on Wednesday and Friday, but didn't take part in the joint practice with the Giants.
That meant the Dolphins saw extensive work from quarterbacks Cam Miller and Mark Gronowski, whom the Dolphins brought back to the roster Aug. 16 after Ewers’ injury was revealed.
Neither quarterback performed well.
Miller started the entire first half, completing just 6/11 passes for 60 yards. He struggled to move the offense consistently, with the only highlight being a 30-yard completion on third-and-5 to rookie wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. that drew a defensive pass interference penalty.
Gronowski didn't fare much better after taking over in the second half. The Dolphins managed only three points all game, while their quarterbacks repeatedly struggled to sustain drives against New York's defense, which featured mostly players fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Preseason statistics shouldn't be treated as a final judgment, especially with players competing for roster spots and playing behind changing offensive line combinations.
However, Miami's quarterback situation deserves attention because injuries can turn a depth problem into a nightmare quickly.
The Dolphins already know what they have in Willis, so the case is closed on him.
Ewers' groin injury is particularly concerning because he was expected to have an opportunity to develop behind Willis and the rest of the starting offensive players.
Hafley said Sunday he is "hopeful" Ewers can return and practice this week in preparation for the Dolphins' final preseason game Friday against the Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium.
Assuming he isn't healthy when the regular season approaches, Miami could be forced to rely on inexperienced options in meaningful games.
The Dolphins don't necessarily need a star, nor could they afford one right now. They need a veteran who understands NFL offenses, can make quick decisions, and won't panic if forced into action for several weeks.
A veteran quarterback could also help Hafley and the coaching staff evaluate the younger players without placing unnecessary pressure on them.
Miller and Gronowski, likely to be cut or placed on the practice squad before the Aug. 30 deadline to finalize the 53-man roster, can continue developing while a proven backup provides insurance.
All in all, Saturday's performance should be enough to convince the Dolphins that they cannot simply hope their quarterback depth fixes itself.
Adding a veteran quarterback should be a priority before Week 1 arrives Sept. 13.
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