Malik Willis injury puts Kyle McCord in line to lead Miami
The Miami Dolphins placed Malik Willis on injured reserve with a groin injury, leaving the American football team without its starting quarterback for at least four games. Kyle McCord, acquired in August, is expected to take over. Willis had been receiving treatment for two weeks, and coach Jeff Hafley said the injury restricted his running.
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Willis will miss at least four games
The Miami Dolphins, an American football team in the United States, placed starting quarterback Malik Willis on injured reserve with a groin injury. The move takes him out for at least four games. Backup Kyle McCord is in line to take over, beginning with the trip to Indianapolis. Miami acquired McCord in a trade in August, before Willis’s first season as a full-time starter.[1], [2]
ESPN reported the planned roster move on Tuesday, citing sources. Willis had been receiving treatment for the groin problem during each of the preceding two weeks. He had remained available for practices and games, but his ability to run had become restricted. After the Detroit game, coach Jeff Hafley said the quarterback could not move at full speed even when he escaped pressure to gain yards.[1]
McCord takes over after an August trade
General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan had described McCord as a quarterback capable of keeping the offense moving when Miami acquired him. Sullivan said he assessed the game quickly and threw accurate, catchable passes. He also praised his understanding of the offense and competitive approach, having followed him through college and the preseason. Those comments accompanied the decision to bring him in as a backup.[1]
Willis had also become a team captain for the first time in his career this season. The injury interrupts his first sustained opportunity to lead an offense as its regular starting quarterback. Hafley’s account after Detroit focused on the effect on his running: the quarterback could still pull the ball down and get out of trouble, but could not fully accelerate.[1]
Chicago is the earliest possible return
Miami’s next four fixtures are away to the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills, at home against the New York Jets, and away to the Denver Broncos. Injured reserve rules out Willis for that entire stretch. ESPN identified the Week 14 meeting with the Chicago Bears as his earliest possible return. Miami has also lost captains Zach Sieler to a torn biceps against Detroit and Devon Achane to a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury in the third week.[1]
