The Dolphins prepare as if Tyler Huntley starts the finals they must win

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins are preparing as if Tyler Huntley would start Sunday against the New York Jets, coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday.

Tua Tagovailoa missed last week’s win over the Cleveland Browns with a hip injury. Huntley started in place of Tagovailoa, throwing for 225 yards and a touchdown, scoring another touchdown on the ground.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, McDaniel did not officially name Huntley the starter for Sunday’s game, but said Tagovailoa would be limited in Wednesday’s practice.

He also hinted at the possibility of Tagovailoa playing if his hip injury heals by the end of the week.

“I’m approaching this as if I think [Huntley is] “Starting today,” McDaniel. “As a team, I think it’s very easy for us to adapt as the week goes on. But I think we have to approach it a certain way.

“That’s an easy adjustment that we’re definitely open to, considering our schedule from last week.”

Tagovailoa participated on a limited basis in all of Miami’s practices last week and was initially listed as questionable to play against the Browns. However, the day before the game he was lowered to doubt and ruled out on Sunday afternoon.

McDaniel said team doctors warned him that Tagovailoa’s injury was “not at all safe” for him to continue playing, despite the quarterback’s willingness to play through the pain.

He also told reporters Monday that Huntley would take part in the majority of the first-team snaps in practice this week.

Sunday’s game is crucial for the Dolphins; With a victory over the Jets and a Denver Broncos loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Dolphins would reach their third consecutive postseason.

If they clinch a playoff berth, the Dolphins would face the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills in the AFC wild card round.