Ryan Tannehill won’t return for Dolphins’ playoff game

Ryan Tannehill will not start at quarterback in the Dolphins’ upcoming playoff matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Instead, head coach Adam Gase said that backup Matt Moore will be getting the nod.

“[Moore]‘s the starter, and unless something changes, drastically here in the next two days, he’s going into this thing as the starter,” Gase said.

Gase was reluctant to rule out Tannehill entirely, but it is very unlikely he will play. However, on Thursday morning Tom Pelissero of USA Today reported that Tannehill has in fact been ruled out for this week’s game.

“I don’t want to rule him out yet because I want to see him try to get out there and do something, but if he’s not ready to go, we’re not just going to put him out there,” Gase said.

It does sound like there’s a chance Tannehill could return for the Divisional round if the Dolphins are able to beat the Steelers this week and advance.

Tannehill did not practice on Wednesday, but Gase didn’t rule out the possibility that he could return to practice later this week.

Most importantly, Gase wants to avoid any potential setbacks in Tannehill’s recovery.

“He’s frustrated because he wants to try to help ... But at the same time I have to be smart with what we’re doing moving forward,” Gase said. “I don’t want any setbacks. I don’t want to jeopardize whether it be his career, next season, put him in a position where he can’t defend himself against a defense that’s playing really well right now.”

Gase also expressed confidence in Moore.

“Since Matt’s been in there, he’s done a really good job and he’s done exactly what I’ve needed him to do,” Gase said on Monday.

Moore starting isn’t ideal, but things could be a lot worse. Tannehill’s backup has thrown eight touchdown passes to just three interceptions this season, good for a passer rating of 105.6.

While Tannehill not starting is devastating news for the Dolphins, the team’s unlikely 2016 success should still be noted. Following its 1-4 start, with the only win coming against the Browns, Miami bounced back and won nine of its next 10 games, earning a playoff berth.

The team’s slow start and hot finish were reminiscent of last year’s improbable Chiefs run. In 2015, Kansas City overcame a 1-5 start to clinch a Wild Card berth.

The Dolphins’ opening day running back, Arian Foster, is no longer on the roster, as he retired in late October. For the Chiefs, Jamaal Charles suffered a season-ending injury in October 2015.

The team’s “league-average” quarterback — Tannehill, in this case — put together a career year in 2016 despite not appearing to have a very dynamic offense early in the season. Alex Smith was able to do the same for Kansas City last year.

And the team’s coaching staff was able to build a dominant offense predicated on a powerful rushing attack and quick passing game, as well as a quality defense which, despite losing its best players — Reshad Jones in the Dolphins’ case, Justin Houston and Derrick Johnson in the Chiefs’ case — has been able to hold its own against some of the league’s best offenses down the stretch.

If Moore is able to lead the Dolphins to victory, perhaps there’s a chance Tannehill can return next week and lead his team down the stretch, with hopes of eventually hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.