Dolphins rookie QB Skylar Thompson to make first start vs. Vikings

On Sunday against the Vikings, the Dolphins' high-powered offense could be led by a third different starting quarterback.

Rookie Skylar Thompson is expected to make his first start on Sunday against Minnesota, Miami coach Mike McDaniel announced Wednesday. Thompson made his first appearance in last weekend's game, a 40-17 loss to the Jets.

Miami's top quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, returned to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity, but he is unlikely to play against Minnesota, per McDaniel. Tagovailoa suffered a concussion on Sept. 29 against the Bengals and remains in protocols. The Dolphins and NFL received backlash for their treatment of his injury.

The Dolphins believed themselves to be equipped with one of the league's top backups in Teddy Bridgewater, but he exited his first Miami start last weekend because of concussion symptoms. Bridgewater is progressing through protocols, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques, but is still in the early stages and cannot participate in football activities.

Against the Jets in Week 5 with Thompson, the Dolphins moved the ball at a much slower pace than with Tagovailoa. Thompson completed 19 of his 33 pass attempts, racking up 166 yards and throwing one touchdown.

In a crowded AFC East race, every game is valuable. Thompson may keep the Dolphins in the game against the Vikings, but the offense's ceiling is almost certainly lower than it is with Tagovailoa or Bridgewater. If Minnesota's offense -- full of playmakers -- is clicking, Miami may struggle to keep up.

Of course, a full week of game-planning for Thompson at quarterback will likely lead to stronger results. Miami will likely incorporate more designed runs for Thompson, who is much more mobile than Bridgewater. 

In his junior season at Kansas State, Thompson rushed 114 times for 405 yards and 11 touchdowns and demonstrated an aptitude for leading a run-first attack.

If Thompson can at least look competent, it stands to benefit the Dolphins greatly regardless of the game's final score. Quarterbacks are the most valuable currency in the NFL, and having a QB room full of proven players would likely have a positive effect on them all.