Dolphins name newcomer QB2 ahead of opener

One of the biggest question marks on the Miami Dolphins offense was answered Monday when the team officially named QB Mike White as Tua Tagovailoa's backup. 

White and now third string QB Skylar Thompson battled for the backup role throughout camp when White was signed in the offseason after departing the New York Jets. Thompson saw significantly more playing time in the preseason when White was sidelined in Miami's 28-3 victory over the Houston Texans and missed the third pre-season game as well. 

Thompson threw for 396 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions while fumbling twice, losing one of them. White only accumulated 85 yards through the air, completing 64.3% of his passes with an interception this preseason.

White has seen some success in limited opportunities in his career. In eight career games he's thrown for 2,145 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 62.2% of his passes and he's shown the ability to have big moments. In Week 8 of 2021 he threw for 405 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in a 34-31 win over the Bengals. In Week 12 of 2022, he put up 315 yards and three touchdowns while completing 78.6% of his passes for a 149.3 QB rating in a 31-10 win over the Bears.

The contract White signed this offseason signaled that he would likely be the choice all along. While Thompson did see action in last season's playoff game against Buffalo, his inconsistency with protecting the ball, along with it being only his second season, likely played into Miami's final decision. Expect both backup's to be active each week, however, as the NFL passed a new rule that all teams may carry a third active QB on game day without affecting a roster spot.