The Miami Dolphins have placed their starting quarterback, Malik Willis, on injured reserve after his lingering groin issue developed into a core muscle issue. He will now be out for a minimum of four weeks.

It appears that Miami was tanking this season from the start, even after signing Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract in the offseason. Through the first eight games, Willis has struggled, with just 1,396 passing yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. However, part of that is due to the Dolphins’ lack of receivers, led by rookie Caleb Douglas. 

With Willis out for at least the next four weeks, Kyle McCord steps into the starting role. Miami spent a sixth-round draft pick to acquire McCord from the Green Bay Packers before the start of the season. He is in line to start for Miami’s games against the Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Denver Broncos. Willis could be back for the Dolphins’ Week 13 game against the Chicago Bears.