The Miami Dolphins have officially benched Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ahead of their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to reports. 

During a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, head coach Mike McDaniel said that the starting quarterback position is now being handled by rookie Quinn Ewers, with Zach Wilson as backup, and Tagovailoa being the emergency QB. 

McDaniel said it was a tough conversation with Tagovailoa, and it wasn't easy for Tagovailoa to hear. However, McDaniel said Tagovailoa "displayed leadership skills" by understanding the decision and shared that he is willing to do what needs to be done for the team. 

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones had confirmed the roster changes ahead of the presser on Wednesday.

McDaniel said he considered the move after the team's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, according to the Associated Press.

That loss eliminated the Miami Dolphins from playoff contention.

"When things aren't to the standard, I have to change it," said McDaniel during Wednesday's press conference. 

He said he himself understands that he, too, has to be a better coach. 

Tagovailoa one of NFL's highest paid QB's 

Tagovailoa leads the NFL with 15 interceptions and hasn't played up to his contract after signing a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024.

Ewers was 5 for 8 for 53 yards in his only action this season in a lopsided loss to the Browns in October. He was the 231st player selected in the draft last April after starting three seasons at Texas.

The 27-year-old Tagovailoa had started every game this season but has a history of concussions. He missed six games last season after playing 17 games in 2023. He led the NFL in yards passing that season, helped the Dolphins win 11 games to earn a wild-card spot and earned a big contract that included $167.2 million guaranteed.

A total of $54 million is guaranteed for 2026. The Dolphins would incur significant hits to the salary cap by releasing Tagovailoa. Releasing him next year would result in a $99 million dead cap charge. If the move is designated as a post-June 1 release, those charges are split over two years with $67.4 million allocated to the 2026 cap and $31.8 million in 2027.

The Denver Broncos took the NFL's all-time biggest cap hit of $85 million for releasing Russell Wilson in 2024.