The last time the Miami Dolphins took the field, they lost 31-12 against the Green Bay Packers as injuries continue to mount.

Despite the gut punch that game represented to fans, the prospect of a 5-5 record with six games remaining on the 2018 schedule leaves a shred of optimism. Pair that with the return of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill and others and the lies the foundation of a darkhorse playoff run.

Sunday’s matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium against the Indianapolis Colts is the next outing in the remaining campaign. The last time these two teams faced each other was December 27, 2015.

Star quarterback Andrew Luck was out due to injury, and the Dolphins instead faced backups Charlie Whitehurst and Matt Hasselbeck under center. The main force in the game was current Miami running back Frank Gore who recorded two touchdowns in the Colts 18-12 win.

Here are the storylines for the upcoming outing where both passers have will be back in action.

The return of the Ryan Tannehill

After missing five games and a bye week, Tannehill will be taking snaps. Considering that he boasts greater mobility than backup Brock Osweiler, his ability to contribute in head coach Adam Gase’s run-first ball control offense is more versatile.

Despite this, with the starter’s recent injury history, it’s fair to question whether Gase will call designed plays to feature the field general’s legs.

Other injury report concerns

In light 2018’s surplus of Dolphins injuries, the questions of health don’t end with Ryan Tannehill starting. Wide receiver Jakeem Grant is out for the season. This is not only an impact to the offense, but to the special teams as a returner as well.

While left tackle Laremy Tunsil is cleared to play, left guard Ted Larsen and right tackle Ja’Wuan James are still listed as questionable. Should James and Larsen sit out against the Colts, the state of the offensive line will be similar to what it was at the start of the Bengals game in Week 5.

This was the game where Tannehill was previously injured.

Is Luck a lock?

Going into this season, Andrew Luck hadn’t taken a meaningful NFL snap since 2016. Now, with the Colts at 5-5, their franchise player has all but cemented himself as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

With Luck’s mobility to escape the pass rush despite a lackluster offensive line, his ability to read defenses and keep his squad competitive without a large arsenal of marquis talent, should he be considered a top MVP candidate?

It may be fashionable to pick Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes or Saints legend Drew Bress, but they have far better weapons and protection than Luck.

Playoffs?!?!

With six games remaining on the schedule. If the Dolphins hope to stay competitive in the AFC playoff picture, a win against a fellow 5-5 team crew is critical. Should Miami come out victorious, they’ll hold the advantage in tiebreakers over the Colts not only in head-to-head but in conference wins.