The Miami Dolphins got a scare of a lifetime on Sunday when Ryan Tannehill went down late in the 3rd quarter and it was assumed almost immediately that he would be out with an ACL tear.

NFL Spin Zone
Media from the local’s to those on ESPN and NFL Network quickly reported that “sources” had confirmed that Tannehill had indeed tore his ACL or at worst that the team “feared” he had. Even Adam Gase told reporters that it didn’t look good.
Today, the Dolphins found out that their quarterback does not have a tear and will not need surgery.
Dolphins HC Adam Gase said surgery is not an option for QB Ryan Tannehill, who has an ACL and MCL sprain. That's... https://t.co/WcOSCbExk5
— James Walker (@JamesWalkerNFL) December 12, 2016
The news is obviously good for the Dolphins and Tannehill but there are still a lot of questions. Specifically when he will be able to return. Gase made it clear that it will be “more than one game” but that still leaves a wide-open timetable for return.
If Tannehill can not return this season he will be 100% ready for the start of off-season workouts as well as training camp. Tannehill has become a leader on the offense and continues to improve in that area. After his injury on Sunday it was clear by the mood of the other players how much they respect and support him.
With no surgery and no full tear it becomes a waiting game.
NOTE: A sprain could be one of three degrees with the 3rd being a full tear. It’s unclear if Tannehill has a level I or level II sprain. Level I has microscopic tears but the return is much faster. Level II is a partial tear that does not require surgery.