Miami Dolphins' Ryan Tannehill sheds knee cast, crutches

MIAMI, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- First-year coach Adam Gase Christmas gifted fans with their first 10-win season in eight years and has the Miami Dolphins in the thick of the AFC playoffs.

The biggest blemish on the season was when the Dolphins [10-5] lost quarterback Ryan Tannehill to knee injuries on Dec. 11 in its win against the Arizona Cardinals. On Thursday, the Miami Herald reported that Tannehill is making "every effort" to return this season.

Backup Matt Moore has excelled while playing in place of Tannehill. After his four-touchdown performance in Week 16, Moore completed 16-of-30 passes for 233 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception Saturday in a 34-31 victory against the Buffalo Bills.

Multiple sources reported that Tannehill visited surgeon James Andrews this week in Pensacola, Fla. to get treatment on the knee.

The Herald's Barry Jackson reported that Tannehill's return for Week 17 would be a "major long shot."

Tannehill suffered the ACL and MCL sprains after taking a low hit from Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell. He was wearing a full leg cast on his left leg all week, before having it removed on Christmas Eve. He has also ditched his crutches, according to the Palm Beach Post.

"They haven't told me that we should shut him down yet," Gase told reporters. "That's all I know. I take the same approach as almost anything else. When someone tells me something different, I'll react then. I'm not going to start guessing on how long [he'll be out]."

Running back Jay Ajayi and a healthier offensive line have been key to the Dolphins' 2016 success.

Ajayi, who had 206 rushing yards and a score on 32 carries Saturday, now has 1,213 rushing yards on the season. He has rushed for at least 200 yards in three games.

The Dolphins could potentially rest its starters for next Sunday's 1 p.m. AFC East battle against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. If the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos this Sunday, the Dolphins clinch a wildcard spot. The Dolphins haven't made the playoffs since 2008.

Tannehill completed 261-of-389 passes for 2,995 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions before the injury. He is signed with the Dolphins through 2020.