Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick out vs. Bills after testing positive for COVID-19

The #Miami #Dolphins won’t have their relief QB as they fight for a playoff berth #Sunday versus the #Buffalo #Bills.

#Miami quarterback #Ryan #Fitzpatrick tested positive for COVID-19 and is out for #Sunday, NFL #Network’s #Tom #Pelissero and NFL #Network #Insider #Ian #Rapoport reported. The team later announced the veteran QB has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

#His positive test means there will be no #FitzMagic in a pivotal #Week 17 game.

The NFL conducted contact tracing following #Fitzpatrick’s positive test, and no other players were identified as high-risk close contacts, including starter #Tua #Tagovailoa, #Pelissero reported.

#Coach #Brian #Flores benched #Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter last week, inserting #Fitzpatrick, who jumpstarted a sullen offense, leading to a dramatic comeback win over the #Las #Vegas #Raiders. The #FitzMagic-led victory put the #Dolphins in a position for a win-and-in season finale.

“#It hurts,” #Dolphins safety #Eric #Rowe said, per ESPN.com, of #Fitzpatrick’s positive test. “#He’s a leader on our team. #He brings energy. I’m sure it’s worse for him because he loves the game and no one wants to catch COVID. #With that, you have to push forward.”

#Despite benching #Tua twice this year, #Flores kept the rookie as the starter entering this week. The thought process followed that at least the #Dolphins could insert #Fitzpatrick once again if #Tagovailoa struggles against #Buffalo.

COVID-19 changed the game yet again.