DAVIE, Florida – Veteran Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills, a source confirmed to ESPN.
The Dolphins and NFL have been tracking initial contacts with no high-risk close contacts determined as of Thursday afternoon, a source told ESPN, but that process will continue. Fitzpatrick practiced completely Wednesday and was not listed in the injury report, but did not practice Thursday afternoon, indicating that the positive test for COVID-19 was a recent surprise.
Rookie Tua Tagovailoa is the Dolphins’ starting quarterback, but Fitzpatrick has been called up twice in the fourth quarter to play what coach Brian Flores compared to the role of “ninth-inning reliever.” Fitzpatrick led the Dolphins to a 26-25 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday after a 34-yard attack, along with a 15-yard penalty, set the game-winning field goal.
The Dolphins signed Jake Rudock to the 53-man roster on Thursday, and it is expected to be Tagovailoa’s safety Sunday. Tagovailoa, Rudock and squad quarterback Reid Sinnett practiced completely on Thursday.
NFL Network first reported Fitzpatrick’s positive test.
The Dolphins will get a spot for the playoffs with a win over the Bills. They could still win the playoffs with a loss, but they would need a loss to the Cleveland Browns (against a Steelers team resting with the first starters), Indianapolis Colts (against Jaguars) or Baltimore Ravens (against Bengals). The Bills, who have reached AFC East but may win No. 2 or No. 3 seed depending on the results of Week 17, have not known whether they will play their starters.
Fitzpatrick, 38, is 4-3 as a starter this season, throwing 2,091 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions.