Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will not be available to play against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday due to a positive COVID-19 test result, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
From NFL Now: The #Dolphins won't have QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on Sunday after he tested positive for COVID-19, per me and @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/uxv8HExdDq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 31, 2020
Fitzpatrick led the Dolphins over the Las Vegas Raiders last Saturday with his late-game heroics. His throw while looking away due to a defender pulling on his face mask was one of the greatest throws the NFL has seen all season. The Dolphins were then able to convert on a field goal to beat the Raiders 26-25 in a much-needed win for the team.
This is a huge blow for the Dolphins, as Fitzpatrick was getting back into the swing of things after taking the starting position back from Tua Tagovailoa. Without Fitzpatrick, head coach Brian Flores will now have to bring Tagovailoa back starting under center and ensure that he is ready to play one of the biggest games of his career so far, and potentially continue to play into the playoffs depending on when Fitzpatrick recovers.
After being stripped of his starting title earlier in the season, Fitzpatrick expressed how hurt he was by the decision. That has not stopped him from being a leader on the sidelines to the rest of the team, especially to Tagovailoa. Having worked so hard to earn that position back only for it to be taken away can no be easy to deal with, especially with the postseason right around the corner.
Time will tell if Fitzpatrick being unavailable to play against the Bills will impact the offense. The Dolphins, who are 10-5, are tied with the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts. Therefore, this upcoming game against the Bills is crucial in order to compete with these teams in a competitive AFC playoff picture.
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