Theo Wease Jr. made a stunning debut moment today as the undrafted Miami Dolphins wide receiver caught a 63-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers in their victory. The Dolphins defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 in Week 17, with Wease Jr.’s spectacular play firing up the comeback bid.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Dolphins 23, Buccaneers 20 in Week 17 regular season game
- Theo Wease Jr.: Caught 63-yard TD pass from QB Ewers on practice squad call-up
- Quinn Ewers: Rookie quarterback threw first NFL career touchdown pass in his 2nd start
- Undrafted Playmaker: Wease Jr. elevated from practice squad and connected twice with Ewers for touchdowns
Practice Squad to Paydirt: Wease’s Explosive Debut
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Theo Wease Jr. entered the 2025 NFL season as an undrafted free agent after an impressive preseason with the Dolphins. The Missouri Tigers wide receiver spent the entire regular season on Miami’s practice squad before getting his opportunity against Tampa Bay. His timing couldn’t have been better.
In his moment on the field, Wease Jr. made the most of limited snaps, running deep routes that allowed rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers to air it out. The 63-yard touchdown reception on Dec 28 showcased the kind of explosive play-making ability that kept him on the squad despite going undrafted in 2025.
The Ewers-Wease Jr. Connection Ignites Miami
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Quinn Ewers took over as the Dolphins’ starter just one week prior, benching Tua Tagovailoa for the final stretch of the season. The rookie from Texas showed poise in his second start against Tampa Bay, finding receivers in space and connecting on critical throws down the field. Wease Jr. proved to be a willing target for the young signal-caller.
The two connected not once but twice for touchdowns during the game. Ewers’ first NFL TD pass went to Wease Jr., setting the tone for what would become a thrilling finish. Their chemistry on the field suggested Miami had stumbled upon something special with the rookie quarterback-receiver duo.
| Statistic | Details |
| Game Date | December 28, 2025 (Week 17) |
| Opponent | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Final Score | Miami 23, Tampa Bay 20 |
| Wease Jr. Receiving | Multiple catches including 63-yard TD |
Dolphins’ Surprising Win Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
The Miami victory over Tampa Bay came at a crucial moment in the season. With the Dolphins sitting at 6-9 entering Week 17, every game represented a potential turning point. Head Coach Mike McDaniel trusted his rookie quarterback to lead the team despite uncertainty surrounding personnel moves earlier in the season.
The Buccaneers kept it competitive throughout, but Miami’s offensive execution in critical moments made the difference. The combination of Ewers finding Wease Jr. twice for score provided the edge needed to escape with the one-possession victory at Hard Rock Stadium.
“From the practice squad to the end zone—that’s the kind of opportunity Theo made the most of today.”
— Miami Dolphins Official Statement, December 28, 2025
What Comes Next for Miami’s Offensive Weapons?
The success of Quinn Ewers and Theo Wease Jr. raises intriguing questions about Miami’s offensive future. Coach McDaniel clearly believes in giving rookies opportunities, and both players delivered when it mattered. Wease Jr.’s explosive 63-yard touchdown suggested the undrafted free agent has earned a permanent spot on the active roster.
For the Dolphins’ final game of the 2025 regular season, Miami will look to build momentum with this unlikely duo. Ewers earned the right to remain the starter with his performance, and Wease Jr. proved practice squad players can make an immediate impact when elevated. The combination gives Miami something to build on looking ahead.
Sources
- NFL.com – Official 63-yard touchdown reception description and official video clips
- ESPN – Game box score and final score confirmation
- Fox Sports – Week 17 game recap and play-by-play coverage
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.