Dolphins, Cutler ‘picking up steam’ while Tannehill watches practice from cafeteria

The Miami Dolphins have to find a way to replace quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who injured his knee on Thursday and may miss the entire 2017 season. While Matt Moore took the starting repetitions during Friday’s practice, the Dolphins are thought to be looking at adding a potential starter to the roster - former Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

According to reports, Cutler and the Dolphins are working toward a deal, with Denver radio host Benjamin Allbright describing the rumors deal as “picking up steam.”

Cutler started his career with the Denver Broncos after being the team’s first-round pick in 2006. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2008 before joining the Chicago Bears in 2009. He played eight years with Chicago and is slated to join Fox in their NFL broadcasts this year. For his career, Cutler has thrown for 32,467 yards on a 61.9 percent completion rate, with 208 touchdowns and 146 interceptions, giving him a career 85.7 passer rating.

In 2015, Cutler played for Dolphins head coach Adam Gase when Gase was the Bears’ offensive coordinator. He had a career high 92.3 passer rating that season, throwing for 3,659 yards on a 64.4 percent completion rate with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

UPDATE: According to the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero, the Dolphins have been reaching out to “multiple” quarterbacks, including Gase talking directly to Cutler.

Miami could also consider signing free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

The Dolphins are still trying to determine the exact prognosis for Tannehill, with the possibility that the re-injuring of the knee could only need six to eight weeks of rehab, or as much as needing season ending surgery. Tannehill was at practice on Friday, but watched from the team facility cafeteria.

The Dolphins are expected to hold a scrimmage at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday. Their first preseason game of the year is on Thursday.