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.

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