Dolphins QB Fitzpatrick has positive test for virus

Any debate about who should start for the Miami Dolphins this week at quarterback ended Thursday with backup Ryan Fitzpatrick’s positive test for COVID-19.

Fitzpatrick, who came off the bench to rescue his team last week, is expected to miss Sunday’s regular-season finale at Buffalo as Miami tries to clinch an AFC wildcard berth.

The Dolphins placed Fitzpatrick on the reserve-COVID-19 list.

“It hurts,” safety Eric Rowe said. “He’s a leader of our team. He brings energy, even in the Zoom meetings. But you’ve got to push forward. I’m just praying for his health.”

Coach Brian Flores had already said rookie Tua Tagovailoa will start his ninth game in a row Sunday, to the consternation of many Miami fans who prefer Fitzpatrick. The 38-year-old veteran replaced Tagovailoa last week in the fourth quarter and orchestrated an improbable comeback win at Las Vegas that allowed the Dolphins (10-5) to retain control of their playoff chances.

Browns

Issues with the virus intensified Thursday for Cleveland as top cornerback Denzel Ward and linebacker Malcolm Smith tested positive and were ruled out for Sunday’s game. The team also canceled practice as it prepares to face the Steelers — with a playoff spot up for grabs.

The latest positive tests forced the Browns to initially close their facility to do close contact tracing. However, after consulting with the NFL, the team decided to call off practice before it biggest game in years for “the health and well-being of our players, coaches and staff.”

Rams

Although John Wolford always believed he could be an NFL quarterback, he hadn’t done much in his first three seasons at Wake Forest to persuade anybody else. So he worked at an investment firm during the summer and lined up a job in finance after he graduated.

Wolford then had an outstanding senior season for the Demon Deacons, but didn’t get drafted. He was three days away from starting his banking career when the New York Jets offered an audition.

He put his Wall Street plans on hold and started down another career path that has led him into the Rams backfield this Sunday, when he’ll try to lead Los Angeles (9-6) to the playoffs in his NFL debut.

“You can only go play football once,” Wolford said Wednesday. “I can go back and work a desk job later on in life. I told myself, ‘I’m going to give it a year. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.’ And it’s all worked out.”