Who Should I Start? Tua Tagovailoa or J.J. McCarthy

Tuesday, January 7, 4:35 PM

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said on Tuesday that there is "no concern at all" for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's (hip) long-term health after a unique hip injury sidelined him for the final two games of the 2024 season. It's good news, but it also doesn't mean the 26-year-old former first-rounder won't be one of the biggest injury risks at the QB position in 2025. Tagovailoa missed four games while on Injured Reserve this season due to yet another scary concussion and finished with 2,867 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a league-best 72.9% completion percentage in 11 starts after his breakout 2023 campaign. In addition to his injury concerns, the Dolphins could have trouble retaining star wideout Tyreek Hill after he voiced his willingness to leave the organization. Injuries and lack of downfield passing will push Tagovailoa down to the QB2 ranks in fantasy in 2025.

Wednesday, May 7, 9:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell didn't really acknowledge whether former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) will face competition for the starting job in 2025. "J.J. is going to be in a great position to assume and ascend in our organization," O'Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. "But right now, we really don't have any feelings on competition as much as we've got an obligation as coaches to put our players in position to attack that competition phase." Sam Howell and Brett Rypien are the other options in the QB room. O'Connell did say that McCarthy is "owning it" this offseason and will get plenty of reps with the starters. The 22-year-old missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, but he's fully expected to be ready for the start of 2025. O'Connell said he's seen a difference in McCarthy's footwork, rhythm, timing and cadence from a year ago. The Vikes like him a lot, so he's expected to be the starter in Week 1, where he'll be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with upside.