Ryan Tannehill Likely to Stay Retired, Multiple Quarterbacks Injured

Last week was a tough one for the NFL, especially for quarterbacks, as several key players suffered injuries during games. In this context, it seems that veteran Ryan Tannehill is not expected to make a comeback this season. The 2019 NFL Comeback Player of the Year has chosen to retire quietly.

Tannehill shared, “I think that chapter is closed.” He expressed that, while he stayed in shape and was open to opportunities, none felt quite right for him. Reflecting on the last NFL season, he noted, “I think that ship has sailed for me at this point.”

Tannehill hasn’t played in an NFL game since the start of the 2023 season. Drafted in the first round by the Miami Dolphins in 2012, he faced major setbacks, including an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire 2017 season, and a trade to the Tennessee Titans in 2019.

At the Titans, Tannehill experienced a notable revival, throwing for 2,742 yards and 22 touchdowns in his first season, which earned him a Pro Bowl selection. However, lately, the situation in the league has been pretty dire; many teams are feeling the pressure from injuries. For instance, the Cincinnati Bengals brought in Joe Flacco just after Joe Burrow’s recent toe injury.

In other teams, backup situations have been complex. For example, Marcus Mariota filled in for Jaden Daniels, who’s been dealing with issues. The Texans reinstated Davis Mills to cover for the injured C.J. Stroud while the Cardinals’ Jacoby Brissett is now expected to lead with Kyler Murray on injured reserve.

In a more dramatic twist, Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. was ejected from a game and had knee surgery confirmed afterward, and Bryce Young, although injured, managed to return to the field. The turbulence doesn’t seem to be easing anytime soon—Aaron Rodgers exited his game before it finished, with Jordan Love also briefly sidelined.

As for Tannehill’s former teams, both the Dolphins and Titans are struggling. The Titans sit with just one win as they enter Week 12, and rookie Cam Ward has had a mixed performance so far. Meanwhile, the Dolphins, after a shaky start that led to a change in general management, are managing to gain some momentum, winning their last two games before heading into a bye week.

This season unfolds with uncertainty, especially in the quarterback landscape, but it’s clear that Tannehill is standing firm in his decision to step away from the game.