The Miami Dolphins changed the team’s backup quarterbacks, moving rookie Quinn Ewers ahead of Zach Wilson on the team’s develop chart heading into Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
Ewers will serve as the No 2 quarterback for the game after seemingly leapfrogging Wilson in practice this week. Wilson will be the emergency No. 3 quarterback, which means he can only enter the game if Miami’s top two quarterbacks suffer an injury that prevents them from playing.
At this time it’s unclear if an injury to Wilson played a factor in the game-day decision, but Ewers, a 2025 seventh-round pick, had an impressive training camp and exhibition season, and it’s possible that the Dolphins want to see what former University of Texas standout has.
Whether this is a one-week elevation, or a permanent demotion based on practice performance, or a push towards the franchise’s future, will likely be clarified by coach Mike McDaniel after the game.
Wilson, the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, was signed this offseason to a $6 million deal to serve as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup because Miami wanted to invest in his upside, and the raw talent that motivated the New York Jets to select him that high and make him a rookie season starter.
However, is training camp and exhibition season performance was underwhelming when compared to Ewers, who has never played in an NFL game heading into Sunday’s contest.
The Dolphins inactive list features edge rusher Matt Judon, who is sidelined for his first game of the 2025 season, receiver Tahj Washington, who was active for the previous two games Miami played without Tyreek Hill (whose season ended because of a left knee injury), defensive backs Elijah Campbell and Storm Duck, receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr., who is working his way back from a knee injury, and defensive tackle Zeek Biggers.
Cornerback Kendall Sheffield and edge rusher Quinton Bell was elevated up from the practice squad, and will likely contribute mostly on special teams. Bell, who is an effective edge setter, likely replaces Judon because he’s a better special teams contributor.
The Browns will be played the Dolphins without Jack Conklin, who suffered a concussion last week. Offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas will be replacing him at right tackle.
The Browns will also play the Dolphins without starting tight end David Njoku, who is sidelined because of a knee injury.