Teddy Bridgewater injured his hand in Dolphins loss

The Miami Dolphins were already playing without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on Sunday, and then lost backup Teddy Bridgewater in their 23-21 loss to the New England Patriots.

That could put them in a very difficult spot for Week 18 when their playoff chances will be on the line.

Bridgewater was injured in the third quarter when his hand appeared to hit the helmet of a Patriots defender on a play that resulted in a Kyle Dugger interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Bridgewater exited the game and did not return. According to ProFootballTalk, it is believed that he broke a finger in his right hand. That is his throwing hand. 

Prior to leaving the sidelines Bridgewater could be seen attempting to grip a football but was never able to get back on the field. He was replaced by rookie Skylar Thompson who completed 12 of 21 passes for 104 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Bridgewater was 12-for-19 for 161 yards with a touchdown and an interception before exiting the game.

Tagovailoa missed Sunday's game due to a concussion (his second of the season) that he suffered in the team's Christmas Day loss to the Green Bay Packers. Given that he has had two concussions already this season and has been in the concussion protocol multiple times his availability for the remainder of the season is very much in doubt. 

If neither he or Bridgewater can go, the Dolphins' season could rest on Thompson in their Week 18 game against the New York Jets.

The Dolphins not only need to win that game, they will need to get help along the way and hope that the New England Patriots lose to the Buffalo Bills.

The Dolphins have now lost five games in a row after an 8-3 start to the season.