NFL

Dolphins place Malik Willis on injured reserve as Kyle McCord takes over

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 11, 2026, 02:52 IST

The Miami Dolphins have moved quarterback Malik Willis to injured reserve due to a persistent groin injury. Kyle McCord will step in as the starter while Willis remains sidelined until at least Week 14.

Dolphins place Malik Willis on injured reserve as Kyle McCord takes over

The Miami Dolphins have officially placed quarterback Malik Willis on injured reserve following a lingering groin issue. The move mandates a minimum four-week absence for the signal-caller, meaning he will be ineligible to return to the active roster until the team's Week 14 matchup.

Willis has been managing the injury for the past two weeks, receiving regular treatment to remain available for practice sessions. Despite his participation during the week, the ailment appeared to impact his mobility during game days, resulting in consecutive performances where he recorded only single-digit rushing yardage. In his debut season as a starter for Miami, Willis has accumulated 1,396 passing yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions, while also contributing three rushing scores.

Quarterback transition and defensive setback

With Willis sidelined, the Dolphins have turned to Kyle McCord to lead the offense. Miami acquired McCord from the Green Bay Packers last summer, and he is now set to assume the starting role during this period of transition. The team signed Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract during the offseason, hoping he would anchor their rebuilding efforts after his two-year stint with the Packers.

The decision to move Willis to injured reserve comes as part of a difficult Tuesday for the Dolphins' roster. In addition to the quarterback change, the team confirmed that defensive tackle Zach Sieler will be out for the remainder of the season. Sieler suffered a ruptured biceps, marking a significant loss for the Miami defense as they navigate the second half of their campaign.