Quinn Ewers injures groin, Dolphins sign backup

Kelly published an offseason awards list today, and Willis’ review was not great. Kelly believes the coaching staff " needs to find a way to improve his processing speed.” He also thinks Willis “needs to spend the next month developing better chemistry with his weaponry.” The latter issue has been mentioned before by coach Jeff Hafley and OC Bobby Slowik. To be fair to Willis, Kelly notes that Willis never once attempted a scramble in practice open to media members because he is trying to refine his pocket passing. Unfortunately, Kelly believes Willis failed to put distance between himself and backup QB Quinn Ewers, whom Slowik complimented publicly earlier this month. Willis will score plenty of fantasy points with his legs this season, but he will need to produce at least somewhat reliably as a passer as well.

Slowik is a big fan of his QB2. He told us so in February, and apparently Ewers’ play continues to draw Slowik’s favor. Slowik complimented Ewers’ newfound conviction, adding that when he just “reacts” to how the play is unfolding in front of him, “he does some really cool stuff.” That said, we fully expect QB Malik Willis to be the Dolphins’ starter in Week 1. Consider Ewers a worthwhile stash in dynasty formats, just in case.

Salyer started five games for the Chargers last season. He started his last five games of the year at left tackle, but also has experience at guard, making him a versatile addition to the Dolphins’ offensive line. The fourth-year vet allowed 19 pressures and four sacks last season, per PFF, and has 40 games of starting experience. Salyer will likely serve as added depth for the Fins in 2026.

According to Pauline, Ewers could be the Dolphins’ preferred option at QB in 2026 if the team is unable to sign Malik Willis this offseason. Ewers threw for 622-3-3 in four games with the Dolphins last season while making three starts. The rookie seventh-rounder was also sacked eight times on just 31 pressures and fumbled the ball three times. Slowik and the Dolphins could have limited options available to them to improve their QB room this offseason, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Ewers did work his way into the starting lineup if the Fins are unable to land their preferred option at QB in free agency.

“So yes, we will find our guy, but we’re going to make sure that we’re building the infrastructure along the way so when we do find our trigger man -- whoever that may be, whether it’s Tua, Quinn [Ewers] or somebody that’s not in the building -- we have a team that he can go play and win with,” Sullivan continued. It sounds like the Dolphins new management feels like the current quarterback room is at ground zero, and Sullivan further added “we will draft quarterbacks every year, if not every other year, because I think you have to.” Neither Tua Tagovailoa nor Quinn Ewers appear to be on firm ground with the new regime. Tagovailoa is a likely post-June 1 release, while Ewers could be traded if another team was willing to part with enough for him.

It’s great news for Herbert as Salyer is the best option the Chargers currently have at left tackle. He’ll be an incremental upgrade for Herbert after leaving Week 17’s loss to the Texans, likely sending Austin Deculus back to the bench. CB Donte Jackson (ankle) will also play in this one and was removed from the injury report as well.

Restrepo had finally gotten elevated just before Thanksgiving before an ankle injury knocked him out for the season. He finished with three catches for 41 yards in two games. The Titans also signed DE David Ebuka Agoha, DB Keydrain Calligan, DT Timmy Horne, LB Nate Lynn, WR Hal Presley III, NT Isaiah Raikes, LB Cam Riley, RB Blake Watson, G Clay Webb and TE Joel Wilson to reserve/future deals.

Ewers departed late with a “knee injury,” but he was healthy enough to not only attend his post-game press conference, but to do so standing up. That almost certainly means his departure was purely precautionary. Ewers’ arm strength left something to be desired during his three starts in place of Tua Tagovailoa, but he was probably a more effective option despite an injury-diminished supporting cast. That very much included on Sunday, where his “top weapon” was Malik Washington. At the very least, Ewers has cemented a spot on the Dolphins’ 2026 53-man roster. There’s a lot to sort out beyond that, namely the futures of Tagovailoa and coach Mike McDaniel, but there’s a non-zero percent chance Ewers is the Week 1 starter. We aren’t saying that’s a great idea, but it’s not a lead balloon, either. You will be hearing a lot more about this situation over the next 3-4 months.

Vidal injured his neck in Week 16 and was unable to play in Week 17. He practiced throughout Week 18, including two full sessions to close the week. Forecasting Vidal’s role is difficult, with the Chargers declaring QB Justin Herbert, S Derwin James Jr., RB Omarion Hampton (ankle), S Elijah Molden (hamstring), OLB Tuli Tuipulotu, OT Jamaree Salyer (hamstring) and C Bradley Bozeman (concussion) inactive for Week 18 against the Broncos. The team is clearly trying to preserve its health for the postseason and Vidal has meaningfully contributed to the offense this season. While we tentatively expect him to start, RB Hassan Haskins (concussion) and RB Jaret Patterson could also be regularly involved. Patterson is the backfield’s lone fully healthy player.

Salyer went down with the hamstring issue in Week 16 and did not suit up last week. With little to play for this week, he will rest up ahead of LA’s upcoming Wild Card Round game. Austin Deculus is the favorite to start at left tackle in Week 18.