The Miami Dolphins' rough season just took another hit.

Miami is placing starting quarterback Malik Willis on injured reserve with a groin injury. He will miss at least the next four weeks.

Backup Kyle McCord, whom the Dolphins acquired in a trade in August, takes over.

Hampered for weeks

Willis has been getting treatment on the groin for the past two weeks. It did not keep him out of practice or games, but he has looked limited.

He averaged 37 rushing yards per game through the first seven weeks, second among NFL quarterbacks. He has run for just 7 yards in each of his last two games.

"It was tight today and you could see it. You could see he couldn't really open up," coach Jeff Hafley said after last week's loss to the Detroit Lions.

Willis signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract in the offseason. In his first season as a starter, he has completed 58.2% of his passes for 1,396 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions.

McCord's turn

General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said after the trade that he trusted McCord to keep the offense moving if needed.

"I feel like when you watch the kid play, he's a keep-the-train-on-the-tracks kind of guy," Sullivan said. "I think he processes the game quick. I think he throws an accurate catchable football."

McCord's first four games come at the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills, at home against the New York Jets and at the Denver Broncos. Willis can return no earlier than the Week 14 game against the Chicago Bears.

Another captain down

Willis was named a team captain for the first time in his career this season. He is the latest Miami captain to go down. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler is expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn biceps. Running back De'Von Achane tore his ACL in Week 3 and is also out for the year.