The NFL handed out multiple fines to Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks for unsafe play during the Week 15 “Monday Night Football” matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On Saturday, the league announced Brooks was fined $11,593 for taunting after a second-half hit on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, during which he stood over the player. He was flagged on the play—a call ESPN color commentator and Cowboys legend Troy Aikman called “terrible.” But, Brooks was also fined another $11,593 for a facemask penalty on running back Kenneth Gainwell in the third quarter.
Brooks was involved in another unsafe play, but the NFL ruled that Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren was at fault; Warren led with the crown of his helmet on Brooks and was fined $17,130. All players have the right to appeal fines.
The Steelers (8-6) defeated the Dolphins (6-8), 28-15. Despite dealing with foot and knee injuries, Brooks told reporters Friday that he plans to play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tua Tagovailoa Was Benched and Replaced By Quinn Ewers
Also following the Steelers game, the Dolphins are making a quarterback change. Head coach Mike McDaniel benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, naming rookie Quinn Ewers as the starter for Sunday.
Tagovailoa struggled against Pittsburgh, completing just 6 of 10 passes for 65 yards and an interception through three quarters in a game that eliminated Miami from playoff contention.
This season has been challenging for Tagovailoa, who leads the NFL with a career-high 15 interceptions through 14 games. Before Week 15, he hadn’t thrown for more than 173 yards in a single game since Week 9, and McDaniel has repeatedly stressed over the past month that Miami’s passing game needs improvement.
“I need convicted quarterback play. This team needs convicted quarterback play,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “I thought Quinn gave us the best chance to do that … I couldn’t responsibly play this next game when I thought what the team needed was available and live in hope and wish and stuff.”
Tua Tagovailoa Expresses Annoyance With McDaniel’s Decision
Tagovailoa, a former first-round pick, expressed that he was “disappointed” by McDaniel’s decision and, while “not happy about it,” said the demotion gave him an opportunity to take an honest look at his performance this season.
“I would say the biggest thing, and it’s being honest with myself as well, has been my performance,” he said. “I haven’t been performing up to the level and the capabilities that I have in the past.”
When asked if he thinks he’s played his final game for the franchise that gave him a four-year, $212.1 million extension in 2024, Tagovailoa said he “can’t predict the future.”
The Dolphins drafted Ewers in the seventh round this year after three seasons at Texas and one at Ohio State. He spent 13 of the team’s first 14 games as an inactive emergency third quarterback before being promoted to backup for Week 7 against the Cleveland Browns.
Ewers saw late action against Pittsburgh, completing 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards. He will start at least Sunday’s game, with Zach Wilson serving as the primary backup, while Tagovailoa will be inactive as the emergency third quarterback.
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