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Any debate about who ought to begin for the Miami Dolphins this week at quarterback ended Thursday with backup Ryan Fitzpatrick’s constructive take a look at for COVID-19.
Fitzpatrick, who got here off the bench to rescue his workforce final week, is anticipated to overlook Sunday’s regular-season finale at Buffalo as Miami tries to clinch an AFC wild-card berth.
The Dolphins positioned Fitzpatrick on the reserve-COVID-19 listing.
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“It hurts,” security Eric Rowe stated. “He’s a pacesetter of our workforce. He brings power, even within the Zoom conferences. However you’ve bought to push ahead. I’m simply praying for his well being.”
Coach Brian Flores had already stated rookie Tua Tagovailoa will begin his ninth sport in a row Sunday, to the consternation of many Miami followers preferring Fitzpatrick. The 38-year-old veteran changed Tagovailoa final week within the fourth quarter and orchestrated an inconceivable comeback win at Las Vegas that allowed the Dolphins (10-5) to retain management of their playoff possibilities.
Miami signed Jake Rudock as Tagovailoa’s new backup. Rudock has thrown 5 passes within the NFL, all in 2017, and has spent a number of stints on the Dolphins’ observe squad in 2019-20.
The Dolphins additionally positioned linebacker Elandon Roberts on injured reserve due to a knee harm. Everybody else on the energetic roster practiced Thursday, a sign no participant was recognized as a high-risk shut contact with Fitzpatrick.
His availability for a doable wild-card playoff sport subsequent week is in query. The 16-year veteran has by no means made the postseason, and the Dolphins will clinch a postseason berth in the event that they beat Buffalo.
“He’s our man,” receiver Isaiah Ford stated. “But when this yr has taught us something, it’s to anticipate the surprising. All of us love Ryan, however we’ve bought a job to do. I feel all people is targeted on getting it achieved.”
COVID-19 circumstances are on the rise in Florida, which reported 17,192 new circumstances Thursday, probably the most but within the state in a single day.
The Dolphins’ lineup has endured solely modest disruptions due to the pandemic. Only one starter — working again Myles Gaskin — went on the COVID-19 listing in December, and he missed two video games.
“Everybody has needed to make some sacrifices,” Flores stated final week. “General it has been good, so long as guys observe the protocols, make the sacrifices and make good selections. We’re nonetheless in it, although. We’re not achieved by any stretch of the creativeness.”
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