As the Miami Dolphins prepare for their must-win regular season finale against the New York Jets, the spotlight shifts once again to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health - a topic that has sparked debate and concern throughout the season.

Tua is currently grappling with a hip injury he sustained during the Dolphins' disappointing Week 15 loss to the Houston Texans. Although he managed to play through the discomfort in the subsequent Week 16 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, he was sidelined during the pivotal matchup in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. The Dolphins, sitting at 8-8, face a steep challenge: they not only need a victory over the Jets but also require the Kansas City Chiefs to defeat the Denver Broncos on Sunday to secure a playoff berth.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided an update on Wednesday, indicating that the team would prepare as if backup Tyler “Snoop” Huntley is set to start. However, he reiterated that the situation is fluid and there’s potential for Tagovailoa to take the field as the week unfolds.

“It’s an easy adjustment that we're definitely open-minded to,” McDaniel stated, underscoring his team's adaptability.

Tyler Huntley, 26, has shown promise in Tua's absence, having split four starts this season. His standout performance came during the Dolphins' recent triumph over the Browns, where he completed 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards and threw a touchdown in a commanding 20-3 win.

When healthy, Tagovailoa has exhibited Pro Bowl-caliber performance this season. As a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023, he leads the league with a stunning 72.3% completion rate, having thrown for 19 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. During a critical stretch from Weeks 12 to 14, he averaged an impressive 338 passing yards per game, along with eight touchdowns and no interceptions, aiding the Dolphins' quest to remain competitive in the AFC playoff race.

As the situation unfolds for Miami, they find themselves not only needing a victory against their divisional rivals but also relying on the Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid. However, Reid announced that quarterback Patrick Mahomes and several starters will rest, as Kansas City has already secured the top seed in the AFC.

With everything on the line and ramifications for the playoffs at stake, the drama is palpable in South Florida. Dolphin fans are left to wonder: Will Tua Tagovailoa make a triumphant return to lead Miami into the postseason, or will Tyler Huntley rise to the occasion in this make-or-break situation? Only time will tell!