NFL report: Dolphins uncertain if Ryan Tannell or Matt Moore will start at QB

The Miami Dolphins have begun preparing for their first playoff game since 2008 uncertain who will start at quarterback.

Coach Adam Gase said Monday he doesn’t know whether Ryan Tannehill will return to practice this week, much less play, after missing the final three regular-season games with a sprained left knee.

The Dolphins (10-6) play at Pittsburgh (11-5) on Sunday seeking their first postseason victory in 16 years. Ten-year veteran Matt Moore has gone 2-1 filling in at quarterback and will make his first career playoff start if Tannehill remains sidelined.

Tannehill threw on the side last week. Gase said he’ll talk with team medical personnel to be sure he doesn’t jeopardize Tannehill’s long-term health. He also said he doubt he’ll wait until the end of hte week to decide on a starter.

“I’m going to have to feel really good about this,” Gase said. “I need to know what his movement skills are, where we are as far as the structure of his knee and things like that.”

Tannehill is eager to return, Gase said.

“I’m not really going to listen to him saying he wants to play,” Gase said. “I’m pretty sure he had some medical classes in college, but I know he doesn’t have a degree quite yet.”

Peterson would consider pay cut

Adrian Peterson declared himself fit to play several more seasons in the NFL, even if itsn’t in Minnesota.

Peterson, 31, finished with only 72 yards on 37 rushes over three games, a torn meniscus in his right knee responsible for an abbreviated 10th season with the Vikings that might well have been his last. He acknowledged savoring the fans and his teammates more than usual the past few days.

“I’d be lying to you to say that I haven’t thought about, ‘Well, what if we’re not able to work things out?’” Peterson said Monday.

Carrying an $18-million salary cap hit on his contract for 2017, Peterson is uncertain to come back at his age and with the team’s other needs. He said he’d consider a reduced salary to return, which would probably be the only way for that to happen.

Joseph in mix

Miami defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is drawing interest as an NFL head coaching candidate. Teams have asked the Dolphins for permission to speak with Joseph, Gase said. At least six teams are in the market for a new coach.

Joseph, who is in his first season with Miami, is drawing attention even though the Dophins (10-6) allowed a franchise-record 6,122 yards during the regular season. “There are going to be great opportunities for him,” Gase said.

Etc.

Arizona running back David Johnson’s knee injury is not serious and will not require surgery, Coach Bruce Arians said. An MRI test showed the injury Johnson suffered Sunday during the Cardinals’ 44-6 win over the Rams was a left medial collateral ligament sprain that would require six to eight weeks of rest and rehabilitation. . . . Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor is unhappy with the Bills decision to bench him for the last game of the season and questioned whether he’s played his final game for Buffalo. Taylor said it’s “fair to say” the decision indicates a loss of confidence in him. “That’s what it showed,” he said. “Did I believe that was fair? No, I didn’t.” . . . Cincinnati receiver A.J. Green said will not play in the Pro Bowl because of a right hamstring strain suffered in November.