LOCALS IN THE NFL

Tyler Huntley Leads Miami To Win In Tua Tagovailoa’s Absence

Dec 29, 2024, 7:26 PM

Locals In The NFL Miami Dolphins QB Tyler Huntley...

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Tyler Huntley #18 of the Miami Dolphins is chased by Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field on December 29, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND – Former Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley got the start in week 17 and led the Miami Dolphins to a convincing win over the Cleveland Browns.

With Miami’s starter Tua Tagovailoa sidelined with a hip injury, Huntley’s number was called.

It was the fourth start for the former Ute this season. When Tagovailoa missed time earlier this year with a concussion, Huntley made his first appearances with the Dolphins.

Against the Browns, he completed 22 of 26 passing attempts for 225 yards and a touchdown. He also took seven carries for 52 yards and a score on the ground.

Tyler Huntley Leads Miami To Big Win In Cleveland

The first half played out pretty slow. With two field goals compared to one from the Browns, Miami took a 6-3 lead into halftime.

Both of the Dolphins’ touchdowns came in the second half.

On the first offensive drive of the half, Huntley led a six-play, 72-yard march that ended in a scrambling touchdown.

After a handful of turnovers and punts, the Miami offense took over in the red zone following a late game turnover on downs.

It took just four plays for Huntley to find Jonnu Smith for his second passing touchdown of the season.

The game was sealed after one more Cleveland turnover on downs.

Miami improved to 8-8 with the 20-3 win at Huntington Bank Field. It is the first time the Dolphins have had an even record this season since week two.

About Tyler Huntley

Before his time in the NFL, Huntley was a standout player at the University of Utah. He played for the Utes from 2016-19.

During his Utah career, the Dania, Florida native threw for 7,351 yards, 46 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions with a 67 percent completion rate.

Huntley signed with the Ravens after going undrafted following the 2020 NFL Draft.

He spent the majority of his time in Baltimore as the backup to Lamar Jackson but started games in place of the two-time NFL MVP.

In 2022, Huntley helped the Ravens earn a playoff berth in the Wild Card round. He threw for 658 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions during the regular season. Huntley also ran for 137 yards and a touchdown.

During his first four seasons in the league, Huntley threw for 1,957 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions with a 64.6 percent completion rate. He also ran for 509 yards and three touchdowns.

RELATED: Ravens QB Tyler Huntley Named To AFC Pro Bowl Roster

After the 2022 regular season, the former Utah standout was named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster as an alternate. Huntley threw four touchdown passes during the Pro Bowl Games.

Huntley signed with the Cleveland Browns during the 2024 offseason. After getting released at the roster cutdown deadline, Huntley resigned in Baltimore. After Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa went down with a concussion in week two, Miami signed Huntley from Baltimore’s practice squad.

About #LocalsInTheNFL

For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.

Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.

From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Locals In the NFL

FILE PHOTO: Jun 3, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) part...

Sean Walker

Here are 5 Locals in the NFL to target for your fantasy team as season kicks off

Here are five players that any fan of Utah's Locals in the NFL should keep an eye on, whether in drafting, trading or for a shrewd waiver-wire pickup.

3 days ago

Kyle Van Noy at BYU vs. Utah Holy War...

Sean Walker

Former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy signs with Vikings, AP source says

The Vikings have agreed to terms to sign 13-year NFL pro Kyle Van Noy, the Associated Press confirmed Tuesday night. The deal was first reported by Netflix's Tom Pelissero.

10 days ago

Tyler Batty #92 of the Minnesota Vikings...

Brian Preece

Former Cougar Tyler Batty to miss 2026 season with torn ACL

Second-year Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Tyler Batty will miss the 2026 NFL season after tearing his ACL, the team announced. Batty has been placed on injured reserve.

11 days ago

Christopher Brooks - BYU Football...

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: Former BYU RB Chris Brooks back on Packers’ roster with new 2-year deal

Brooks was one of two former Utah college football players that made the initial 53-man roster for the Green Bay Packers, the team announced Sunday evening. He's one of 54 former Utah locals in the NFL who made the initial cuts to end the 2026 NFL preseason.

12 days ago

Britain Covey - Utah Pro Day...

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: Britain Covey connects with Tanner McKee for Eagles TD in preseason

Covey started at wide out in a 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in the Week 2 of the NFL preseason, when he hauled in a 14-yard touchdown strike from Tanner McKee that gave the Eagles a 14-10 halftime lead.

19 days ago

New Orleans Saints quarterback Zach Wilson throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesar...

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: Is former BYU QB Zach Wilson eyeing QB2 with the Saints?

Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson completed 11-of-16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown in New Orleans’ 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as leading a scoring drive to end the first half and put the Saints up 20-6.

23 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Photos provided by family of featured athletes...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Stacia Peoples & Gavin Lowe

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Rachel McBride & Lincoln Smith

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Janiece Sikander & Brody Thompson

The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy's and girl's basketball players in Utah County.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Evy Roberts & Krew Eckman

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

Photos provided by family of featured athletes...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Fabiana Lopez, Madden Johnsen & Bracken Saunders

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Leah Bailey & Lucas Castagnetto

The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy's and girl's basketball players in Utah County.

Tyler Huntley Leads Miami To Win In Tua Tagovailoa’s Absence