DAVIE, Fla. -- On Monday, Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin declined to answer on four occasions whether struggling quarterback Ryan Tannehill will remain the starter next weekend against the Oakland Raiders.
Tannehill is coming off another shaky performance in Miami's 34-15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He threw for 205 yards and one touchdown and is on pace for career lows in completion percentage (56.5) and passer rating (74.1).
With his team 1-2 on the season, Philbin declined to answer the quarterback question.
"We're going to get our 46 best players in the game and we're going to utilize them the best way possible," he said.
Later in the news conference, Philbin was asked if Tannehill and Matt Moore would have an open competition this week.
"Again, we're going to choose 46 guys that we think will help us win the football game," Philbin said.
Philbin also was asked if not answering the question puts Tannehill in limbo.
"Again, I'm going to stick with the answer that I've given," Philbin said.
Finally, Philbin was given one more chance to support Tannehill as the unequivocal starting quarterback this week.
"We're going to start our game plan for Oakland when I leave here and we're going to decide which 46 players are going and how to best utilize them," Philbin responded.
It should be noted that Philbin rarely answers questions about starting lineups. But a simple backing of Tannehill, who is 16-19 as a starter, would have provided clarity. Both Philbin and Tannehill are on the hot seat entering an important Year 3.