Dolphins' Thompson to start pivotal Week 18 game vs. Jets

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel announced Friday that Skylar Thompson will start the team's must-win game against the New York Jets on Sunday, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques.

The Dolphins ruled out Tua Tagovailoa due to a concussion, but McDaniel hopes Teddy Bridgewater will be available in a backup role, per Jonathan Jones of CBS. Bridgewater has reportedly been battling a dislocated pinky finger on his throwing hand.

Thompson stepped in for Bridgewater after the latter was injured in last Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots. He completed 12 of his 21 pass attempts for 104 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

The 2022 seventh-round pick will make his second start of the season. He's made six appearances in his rookie campaign, notching one passing score and three picks.

Miami heads into the regular-season finale clinging on to its playoff hopes amid a five-game losing streak. The Dolphins need to beat the Jets and the Patriots to lose to the Buffalo Bills in order to secure a wild-card spot.