Who will be the Dolphins' starting QB vs. Patriots in Week 17 on Sunday? Details about Tua Tagovailoa's availability and possible replacements

The Miami Dolphins have a quarterback conundrum for their all-important game against AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots, on Sunday. The team's starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in the team's 26-20 loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in Week 16.

This would seem to be the play on which Dolphins’ QB Tua Tagovailoa was injured, when his head bangs the ground. https://t.co/zCQXadHm2r

Despite suffering a concussion at the end of the first half, Tagovailoa finished the game. Surprisingly, he entered concussion protocol the following day. He has been ruled out for the game against the New England Patriots as a result. With Tagovailoa out, the franchise will field Teddy Bridgewater against the Patriots on Sunday.

Miami Dolphins' QB injuries: A tough season for Miami's signal callers

The concussion Tagovailoa suffered against the Packers was his second of the 2022 season. He suffered his first in Miami's Thursday Night Football clash against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Bridgewater took his place in that game and started the Dolphins' next game against the New York Jets. He attempted only one pass against the Jets before an elbow injury ruled him out of the game, forcing the Dolphins to field third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson.

Sauce Gardner forces the safety! @iamSauceGardner

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Thompson was given the nod for the team's next game against the Minnesota Vikings. However, he suffered a thumb injury which forced Miami to field Bridgewater. The Dolphins lost all three games before ending their losing streak with Tagovailoa under center against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With Tagovailoa out again, Bridgewater will play under center against the Patriots. Miami have lost four straight games but remain in control of their playoff destiny. A win in their remaining two games will see them secure a playoff berth. However, defeat against the Patriots will leave them reliant on the Buffalo Bills to beat New England in Week 18 to stand a chance of making it to the postseason.

Sunday's game against the Patriots is almost a must-win for Miami's playoff hopes. If Bridgewater and co. fail to win, it would be five straight losses and a near-fatal blow to their playoff hopes.