MIAMI GARDENS — Devastated by another concussion to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins players also expressed confidence in backup quarterback Skylar Thompson late Thursday night.

"I think that this team believes that we can win with Skylar," Dolphins offensive tackle Austin Jackson said. "Can and will."

Added tight end Jonnu Smith: "I think we've got confidence in everybody that's on this roster. That's why they're here. And, you know, whatever the situation calls, that's the situation that we'll be in. You know what I mean? We're going to rest up this weekend and get ready for our next game. And I'm pretty sure we'll be fine. We'll be just fine."

Tight end Durham Smythe noted Tagovailoa's importance, but also belief in Thompson.

"Obviously, he means a lot," Smythe said of Tua. "Franchise quarterbacks means a lot to the franchise. We're confident in everyone we have in this locker room so we're confident with whoever plays. We'll have to play for him if he has to miss some time but obviously a franchise quarterback is a very important cog of the entire unit."

Who is Skylar Thompson of Miami Dolphins?

The Dolphins' backup quarterback is Skylar Thompson, a former 7th-round draft pick from Kansas State who was selected a few spot ahead of 49ers star Brock Purdy.

The Dolphins kept Thompson, 27, over veteran Mike White, who is now a member of the Buffalo Bills.

Thompson has eight regular-season games played, including seven in 2022, when Tagovailoa had at least two concussions.

Thompson also started a playoff loss to the Bills that season.

At Kansas State, Thompson was asked to run nearly as much as pass.

Thompson passed for 7,134 yards and 42 touchdowns and rushed for 1,087 yards and 26 TDs.

Can Skylar Thompson succeed after Tua Tagovailoa concussion?

Thompson, 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, has athleticism and a strong arm.

Thompson also has a good command of Mike McDaniel's offense.

He said recently that becoming a bit less robotic has helped him take a step forward.

McDaniel said Friday morning that Thompson is the next player up and the club has confidence in his ability.

Thompson has a career passer rating of 63.5, with one touchdown and three interceptions.

"I think guys really believe in Skylar," McDaniel said. "I have the utmost confidence in him. That’s why he’s our backup quarterback.”

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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Skylar Thompson Miami Dolphins next up Tua Tagovailoa concussion