DOLPHINS’ FITZPATRICK PLACED ON COVID LIST
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.
Miami signed Jake Rudock as Tagovailoa’s new backup. Rudock has thrown five passes in the NFL, all in 2017, and has spent multiple stints on the Dolphins’ practice squad in 2019-20.
Fitzpatrick’s availability for a possible wild-card playoff game next week is in question.
The 16-year veteran has never made the postseason, and the Dolphins will clinch a postseason berth if they beat Buffalo.
Rams’ Brockers out Sunday For 16 weeks, the Rams dodged many of the COVID-19 related issues experienced by many other NFL teams, especially the loss of starters.
On Thursday, defensive lineman Michael Brockers was placed on the reserve/ COVID-19 list, joining receiver Cooper Kupp, who was placed on the list Tuesday.
“Certainly, you feel like it’s gotten us pretty good right now,” coach Sean McVay said after practice.
COVID strikes Browns again
The Browns ended 2020 without practicing for their first game in 2021. COVID-19 has Cleveland’s playoff hopes in peril.
Issues with the virus intensified for the Browns 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 days before its biggest game in years for “the health and well-being of our players, coaches and staff.”
Notable
Shelby Harris’ best and most eventful season came to an early end when the Broncos placed the sixthyear defensive end on injured reserve with a knee injury.
In 11 games this season, Harris led all NFL defensive linemen with seven pass knockdowns.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur says there’s a possibility newly acquired defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison could play in the team’s regularseason finale Sunday at Chicago.