Skylar Thompson could be Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback in NFL playoffs: 5 things to know

The Miami Dolphins are back in the NFL playoffs for the first time since the 2016-17 season. And they might have to face the Buffalo Bills without their starting quarterback and primary backup.

Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion against the Green Bay Packers on Christmas, at least his second such injury of the season. He was ruled out against Buffalo. Backup QB Teddy Bridgewater started in Week 17 against the Patriots, but he broke a finger on his throwing hand, paving the way for rookie Skylar Thompson to start a must-win regular-season finale against the New York Jets.

Thompson, a 26-year-old rookie from Kansas State, has started two games this season and played significant time in two others. His backup quarterback last week was veteran Mike Glennon, whom Miami signed that week.

Here are five things to know about the Dolphins' likely starting quarterback as they hope to win their first playoff game since the 2000 season.

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Skylar Thompson's mom died when he was 6

Skylar Thompson was born June 4, 1997 in Palmyra, Missouri. When he was 6 years old, his mother, Teresa, died of cancer. About 6 months before that, he had lost his grandfather John, also to cancer.

Skylar was raised by his father, Brad.

“He’s just kind of always approached life a little bit different than most kids I’ve been around,” Brad Thompson said. “I was a coach and a principal. I’ve been around kids. And he just — he’s just kind of wired a little different than most.”

Skylar helped launch the Skylar Thompson Family Cancer Research Fund through the Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State, his alma mater.

Skylar Thompson was drafted in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 15 picks ahead of Brock Purdy

Thompson went to Kansas State from 2016 to 2021, where he finished second in school history in passing touchdowns (42) and passing yards (7,134). He also was the only player in K-State history to pass for 6,000 yards and run for 1,000. Shoulder/pectoral injuries ended his 2020 season after three games, and in 2021 he battled ankle and knee injuries.

The Miami Dolphins took him with their final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Only one quarterback was taken after him: Iowa State's Brock Purdy, who became "Mr. Irrelevant" when the San Francisco 49ers made him the final player chosen in the draft. When Jimmy Garoppolo was injured in the first quarter of the Niners' game against the Dolphins on Dec. 4, Purdy stepped in and has since taken over the starting job.

Skylar Thompson led the NFL in passer rating in the preseason

Thompson created a lot of buzz during the preseason, throwing five touchdown passes over three games, including three in the finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, who through 17 weeks have the best record in the NFL. He threw for 450 yards with a 75% completion rate against zero interceptions, and his 138.4 QB rating was the best in the NFL.

It was enough for new coach Mike McDaniel to make him the third-string quarterback behind Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater.

Skylar Thompson made his NFL debut as a backup QB for Teddy Bridgewater

On Oct. 9, a week after Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion, Teddy Bridgewater got the start against the New York Jets. But on the Dolphins' first play of the game, Bridgewater was hit by cornerback Sauce Gardner and left the game as part of the NFL's concussion protocol. Thompson stepped in to make his regular-season debut, throwing for 166 yards and an interception in a 40-17 loss.

Thompson's first NFL start came the following week against the Minnesota Vikings. He threw just 13 passes for 89 yards in a 24-16 loss. Tagovailoa returned after that, and Thompson made brief appearances late in three games after that before stepping in again Jan. 1 for an injured Bridgewater.

If not Skylar Thompson, Mike Glennon could be Miami Dolphins quarterback

Thompson went 12 for 21 for 104 yards, an interception and his first regular-season touchdown in a Week 17 loss to the New England Patriots. With Tagovailoa out with another concussion and Bridgewater out with a finger injury, the Dolphins were down to Thompson and the newly signed Mike Glennon at quarterback in a must-win game Sunday against the New York Jets.

Glennon, a nine-year veteran who played with the New York Giants last season, was signed this week. He has a career 60.1% completion rate, throwing for 7,025 yards, 47 touchdowns and 35 interceptions. He has started nine games over the past two seasons between New York and Jacksonville, all losses.

Thompson was 20 of 31 for 152 yards in an 11-9 win against the Jets that, thanks to the Bills beating the Patriots, was enough to get the Dolphins into the playoffs.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 5 things to know about Skylar Thompson, Miami Dolphins QB