The Dolphins offense has gone in the tank since the starting QB was injured in Week 2. McDaniel’s club went 1-3 without Tua, scoring 40 total points — 10 points per game.

On the season, the Dolphins have the last-ranked scoring offense (11.7 PPG), which would be the lowest PPG by the franchise all-time (15.2 in 1966, Miami’s first year as a franchise). Last year, the Dolphins averaged 29.2 PPG, second in the NFL.

In Tagovailoa’s stead, the Dolphins used three quarterbacks: Skylar Thompson (one start), Tyler Huntley (three starts) and Tim Boyle. Thompson went down with a rib injury in Week 3. Huntley exited Week 7 due to a shoulder injury and is not expected to be available in Week 8. Miami also inked veteran C.J. Beathard to the practice squad this week.

McDaniel did not say Friday whether Thompson, Boyle or Beathard will back up Tagovailoa.

“I’m pretty sure I know who it is,” McDaniel said, “but I want to make. After this practice, I think we’ll know with absolute certainty, but I need to let the full work week play out before I stamp it.”

Despite missing the past four games, Tagovailoa remains the only Dolphins player with two-plus pass touchdowns in 2024 — he has two passing TDs. Huntley (1) is the only other Miami player to have a pass TD this season.

Miami hopes that Tua’s return jumpstarts the offense and keeps its hope alive for a postseason run in the final 11 weeks.