Quinn Ewers steps in: new leader in Miami?

Quinn Ewers finally got his first taste of NFL action. The young quarterback for the Miami Dolphins took the field in the final quarter of a blowout loss to the Cleveland Browns, stepping in for a struggling Tua Tagovailoa. Miami dropped to a concerning 1–6, and the mood around the team is shifting. Questions are mounting—not just about the future of their starting QB, but also about Mike McDaniel’s leadership.

Tagovailoa completed just 12 of 23 passes for 100 yards, threw three interceptions, and failed to score. It was his third straight underwhelming performance, and this time, McDaniel benched him. In his place, Quinn Ewers completed 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards. His appearance was brief, but the message was clear: something is changing in Miami.

A surprising move

According to Athlon Sports, the Dolphins activated Quinn Ewers to the 53-man roster before the game, pushing Zach Wilson to the inactive list. The move caught many off guard, but it also signaled that the team is ready to explore new possibilities. After the game, Ewers spoke with David Furones of The Sun Sentinel about his debut: “It’s what I’ve always dreamed of… being in this position and feeling lucky to get out there and play. I’m just starting to experience it.”

Quinn Ewers supplants Zach Wilson as Dolphins backup QB before Browns game, and other pregame notes from inactive list. https://t.co/Fb1gkVcex1

— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) October 19, 2025

The schedule rolls on

The rookie also praised McDaniel and quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell, highlighting the development process he’s undergoing. Quinn Ewers was selected in the seventh round of the 2025 Draft after a standout college career at Texas, where he started ahead of Arch Manning and led the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals. His earlier stint at Ohio State is also part of his journey.

Now, the Dolphins are gearing up to face the Atlanta Falcons on the road in Week 8, and the big question is whether Quinn Ewers will be named the starter. With Tagovailoa in crisis, McDaniel under pressure, and fans demanding answers, the young signal-caller may have a real shot at taking the reins.

One thing’s certain: Quinn Ewers has already made his mark. In a season that’s wobbling, his name is starting to surface as a potential solution. Miami doesn’t just need wins—it needs a new storyline. And Ewers might be the first chapter.