The Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons are headed toward a 1 p.m. Eastern showdown. News on Saturday indicated the Falcons were planning to start backup quarterback Kirk Cousins due to an injury to starter
Michael Penix, Jr. Then on Sunday morning, news broke that Miami starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was being added to the injury report with an illness. While the team did not add a game designation, indicating they still expected him to play, the addition was a surprise start to the day.
Now, with less than 90 minutes before kickoff, both teams have released their respective inactive players lists and the players included matched expectations.
The Falcons did list Penix as inactive, sitting him for the game while Cousins takes over the offense. The home team also included wide receiver Drake London, edge rusher Jalon Walker, cornerback Billy Bowman, Jr., offensive lineman Michael Jerrell, defensive lineman LaCale London, and defensive lineman Zach Harrison. Drake London had been listed as questionable on the Friday injury report as he deals with a hip injury while Harrison was also questionable with a knee issue.
Bowman (hamstring) and Walker (groin) were both listed as out on Friday’s report.
The Falcons activated safety Jordan Fuller from injured reserve on Saturday.
For Miami, Tagovailoa is active, while rookie Quinn Ewers returns to being the third-string passer after moving into the second position last week. Ewers is inactive and listed as the emergency quarterback in case Tagovailoa and backup Zach Wilson are both injured during the game.
Also inactive for the Dolphins are defensive back Elijah Campbell, cornerback JuJu Brents, safety Jordan Colbert, wide receiver Tahj Washington, tight end Julian Hill, and defensive tackle Zeek Biggers. Hill, who would likely be the starting tight end with Darren Waller on injured reserve, was ruled out of the game on Friday due to an ankle injury.
