Miami Dolphins Place Malik Willis on IR, Kyle McCord Set to Debut

The Miami Dolphins placed quarterback Malik Willis on injured reserve with a core muscle injury on Tuesday paving the way for Kyle McCord to make his first NFL start.

Core Injury Sidelines Willis

Willis had been battling a groin injury that limited his mobility over recent weeks, which an MRI ultimately revealed to be a core muscle injury requiring rest, according to A to Z Sports and Pro Football Rumors.

The 27-year-old quarterback signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with Miami in free agency after former Packers staffers Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley took over the general manager and head coaching jobs, as Pro Football Rumors reported. In eight starts for the 1-7 Dolphins, Willis completed 58.2% of his passes for six touchdowns and six interceptions while rushing for 232 yards and three scores.

Reflecting on his physical condition following a loss to the Detroit Lions, Willis said it was a little tight. It was a little tight, said Malik Willis.

Head coach Jeff Hafley acknowledged the physical limitations during his postgame media session. “It was tight today and you could see it,” said Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins head coach, according to the Sun Sentinel. “You could see he couldn’t really open up.”

McCord Set for Debut Against Colts

With Willis sidelined for at least four games, Kyle McCord enters the lineup for a Week 10 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, according to the NFL. McCord spent his rookie season on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad after leading the FBS with 4,779 passing yards at Syracuse in 2024, as detailed by Sports Illustrated. The Green Bay Packers traded him to Miami in August for a 2028 sixth-round pick, per Pro Football Rumors.

Willis will miss games against the Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Denver Broncos, with an eligibility to return for a December 13 home game against the Chicago Bears, according to the NFL.

Draft Pick Formula Impacts Packers

The roster move carries external consequences for the Green Bay Packers regarding compensatory draft picks, according to HEAVY. Because Willis signed a lucrative free-agent deal after leaving Green Bay, his playing time influences the league’s compensatory formula.

“Malik Willis going on IR could be very problematic for the Packers’ 2027 compensatory picks,” said Nick Korte.

“Missing at least 4 games looks like it could be enough to knock down the round the Packers get for Willis going to Miami from the 3rd round to the 4th round,” Korte added, as reported by HEAVY.

Roster Adjustments in Miami

Alongside Willis, the Miami Dolphins placed defensive lineman Zach Sieler on injured reserve and released cornerback Reese Taylor on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Sieler, who served as a three-time team captain with Miami from 2024 to 2026 and earned the 2024 Dan Marino Team MVP award, is out for the remainder of the year due to a torn biceps.

Taylor, a 27-year-old cornerback who joined Miami off waivers from the Denver Broncos in August after previous stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, appeared in four games for the Dolphins this year and recorded two tackles while playing 26 special-teams snaps.

In the wake of these transactions, the Dolphins’ cornerback group now features Chris Johnson, JuJu Brents, Jason Marshall Jr., Jaylin Simpson, and Marcellas Dial Jr., with Ethan Bonner stationed on the practice squad. Meanwhile, practice squad quarterback Brady Cook is expected to be elevated to serve as the backup behind McCord for Sunday’s contest against the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.

McCord, a 24-year-old product of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School who began his collegiate career as the backup to C.J. Stroud at Ohio State before leading the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record in 2023, finished his college tenure with an exceptional 2024 season at Syracuse.

Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, McCord completed 46 of 70 passes for 446 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions during his preseason tenure with Green Bay before his trade to South Florida.

Looking Ahead at Quarterback Decisions

While the 1-7 Dolphins face a challenging schedule through the second half of the 2026 campaign, team leadership has maintained steadfast support for Willis. Head coach Jeff Hafley addressed Willis’s long-term status on Wednesday, noting that the veteran signal-caller will remain the starting quarterback upon his return.

Willis has compiled 2,718 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions across 30 career games and 14 starts with the Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers, and Miami Dolphins, alongside 637 rushing yards and seven scores on 112 carries.

The Dolphins' front office must evaluate the position during a rebuilding year.

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