Dolphins’ Ryan Fitzpatrick out vs. Bills after testing positive for COVID-19, per report

The #Miami #Dolphins hailed backup quarterback #Ryan #Fitzpatrick as their “relief pitcher” after #Week 16’s win over the #Raiders, but if the team needs late-game heroics against the #Buffalo #Bills on #Sunday, they’ll have to count on someone else. #As NFL #Network reported #Thursday, #Fitzpatrick has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss #Week 17’s crucial contest. The veteran was a surprise absence at practice earlier in the day, and now he won’t be available for #Miami until at least the postseason — if the #Dolphins make it.

#According to NFL #Network’s #Tom #Pelissero, the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols require a 10-day isolation by players who’ve contracted the virus, meaning #Fitzpatrick may also be sidelined for a potential AFC #Wild #Card game on #Jan. 9 or 10.

#Coach #Brian #Flores had already named rookie #Tua #Tagovailoa the starter for #Sunday’s game, but #Fitzpatrick has arguably been the #Dolphins’ better signal-caller, not to mention a repeat fill-in during #Tagovailoa’s lesser performances. #In deeming him a “relief pitcher,” after all, #Flores left the door open for more #Fitzpatrick playing time. There’s been no word yet whether #Tagovailoa himself could be considered a high-risk close contact to #Fitzpatrick, which would also jeopardize his availability against #Buffalo.

#In the meantime, the #Dolphins will call upon veteran reserve #Jake #Rudock, who’s only thrown five career passes, to serve as #Tagovailoa’s backup in #Week 17. #Rudock has been on and off #Miami’s practice squad this year but has been re-signed in the wake of #Fitzpatrick’s COVID test results, per #Pelissero.

The #Dolphins need a win against the #Bills, or a loss by one of the other AFC #Wild #Card contenders, in order to qualify for the playoffs.