News
1/14/23
18 min read
Dolphins GM Grier: Tua Tagovailoa Is Our Starting Quarterback
Sunday, Jan. 15
Lamar Jackson Doesn't Travel With Ravens
Quarterback Lamar Jackson did not travel with the Ravens to Cincinnati for Baltimore's wild-card playoff game Sunday night, Fox Sports reported.
Jackson was ruled out of the game with a PCL sprain suffered in Week 13, which cause him to miss the final five games of the regular season. On Thursday he announced via his Twitter account that he was recovering from a Grade 2 sprain of his PCL and wouldn't play against the Bengals, but his absence from the trip altogether raises additional questions.
Jackson's contract negotiations have been a main storyline for the Ravens throughout the season, further complicating his return to the playing field. The Ravens say Jackson remains in their long-term plans, according to a report earlier on Sunday.
If the two sides can't come to an agreement on a new deal, the expectation is the Ravens will apply either the exclusive or non-exclusive franchise tag. The latter would allow them to recoup two first-round picks if Jackson were to sign with another team.
Bucs Want Brady Back
The Buccaneers will make a strong effort to retain free agent quarterback Tom Brady this offseason, NFL Media reported. Brady is 46 years old and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Other teams will make a run at Brady, including the Raiders, Titans and 49ers. The Raiders have Brady's former offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels, and are parting ways with Derek Carr. The Titans pursued Brady last time he was a free agent, and the 49ers are Brady's hometown team.
Ravens Could Use Two QBs
The Ravens will likely use both Tyler Huntley and Anthony Brown against the Bengals on Sunday, NFL Media reported. Huntley is expected to start the game but depending on the personnel package Baltimore wants to use, Brown will see some action.
Lamar Jackson hasn't played in more than five weeks (PCL sprain), leaving Baltimore to manage with its backups. Huntley is battling wrist tendinitis, but he practiced fully Friday, and Brown started last week's loss against the Bengals.
Jackson tweeted an update on his condition on Thursday, but it's unclear if he can return to action even if the Ravens upset the Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday night.
Hamlin Watched From Home
Bills safety Damar Hamlin watched the Bills' 34-31 win vs. the Dolphins from home on Sunday, he Tweeted before the game.
"My heart is with my guys as they compete today!" Hamlin wrote in his Tweet. "Supporting from home as I focus on my recovery. Nothing I want more than to be out there with them! LFG ❤️💙 #BillsMafia"
Hamlin hasn't been seen in public since he collapsed on the field due to cardiac arrest against the Bengals on Jan. 2. Hamlin is still on oxygen and being monitored closely by doctors, NFL Media reported.
Hamlin visited teammates on Saturday and was seen on Matt Milano's Instagram story. Hamlin was released from a Buffalo area hospital on Wednesday to continue his physical therapy at home and with the Bills. The former Pittsburgh Panthers safety was released from a Cincinnati hospital on Monday after he was capable of starting physical therapy, walking around on his own and eating a normal diet.
Hamlin watched the Bills' Week 18 game from his hospital bed in Cincinnati, but he did Tweet during the game and doctors said he was animated watching the Bills beat the Patriots to clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed.
Tua Expected Back in 2023
The Dolphins are expected to stick with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa as their starter next season, ESPN reported.
Tagovailoa suffered his second diagnosed concussion of the season on Dec. 25 against the Packers, causing him to miss the final two games of the regular season and Miami's playoff game against Buffalo on Sunday.
Replacing Tagovailoa was always going to be a challenge for a Dolphins team lacking cap space and a first-round pick.
