A historic NFL matchup may come down to a game time decision on Sunday as Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was limited once again at practice on Friday and is listed as questionable on the injury report. If Tannehill is able to suit up against fellow first round pick Andrew Luck, it would be the first game between two rookie quarterbacks taken in the first ten picks with a winning record, per Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com.
Although Tannehill has practiced all week, he has seen a decrease in his opportunies while backup Matt Moore has continued to recieve more snaps than usual. Assuming Tannehill starts, the coaching staff wouldn't resitate benching the rookie if he struggles early, considering this is as close to a 'must win' game at this point in the season. The fact that a reliable backup is available in Moore allow for a relatively short leash on Tannehill. Not only was Moore able to lead the team to a comfortable 30-9 win last week, he performed admirably for Miami last year and led the team to a 6-3 record in their final nine games.
Despite the circulating reports that Tannehill has had his knee drained to reduce the swelling already twice this week, the Dolphins are optimistic that he will be good to go come game day. Don't expect a decision until the latest possible moment before kickoff as Tannehill will be re-evaluated on Sunday. With the quarterback situation currently up in the air, it will make the Colts task of game planning for one of them all the more difficult.
Perphaps the most surprising name on the injury report was wide reciever Brian Hartline who has been listed as questionable with a linguring groin injury. Hartline's potential absence may have a more significant impact then the loss of Tannehill seeing as Hartline will be relied on to stretch the field and take advantage of the Colts secondary. He remains the team leader in recieveing yards and with the position already thin, a third option such as Jabar Gaffney or Marlon Moore will have to step up in order for the Dolphins offense to find success.
Defensive tackle Tony McDaniel is also listed as questionable with a knee injury.
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