Dolphins Move Malik Willis To Ir

The Miami Dolphins are placing starting quarterback Malik Willis on injured reserve, The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday. The move comes just two days after the quarterback was clearly struggling to scramble during the team’s Week 9 loss to the Detroit Lions. The move will keep Willis out of the lineup for at least four weeks; the injury is not considered season-ending.

Willis was listed on the injury report the last two weeks with a groin injury. Between Weeks 8 and 9, Willis had indicated the injury had not limited his rushing attempts against the New England Patriots, but it clearly was hampering him against the Lions. According to Pelissero’s report, the Dolphins had Willis undergo an MRI that showed the injury was getting worse and was now a core muscle issue. Surgery will not be required, but the quarterback has to rest until it is fully healed.

Kyle McCord will move into the starting role for the 1-7 Dolphins. A 2025 sixth-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, McCord spent the preseason with the Green Bay Packers before Miami acquired him in a trade as final roster cuts were being made. After spending all of his rookie season on the Eagles’ practice squad, McCord will now make his NFL debut following the Willis injury.

Brady Cook, currently on the practice squad, will likely serve as the backup.

The Dolphins face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10, with both teams in contention for the top overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Update: The Dolphins officially announced Willis to injured reserve at 4 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday as all roster moves for the dat became official. Also listed in the move was placing defensive tackle Zach Sieler on injured reserve; Sieler was reported to have torn a biceps muscle earlier in the day. Miami also announced they waived cornerback Reese Taylor.