Flores: No QB decision yet
Coach: ‘This will be a hard decision for the staff’ as Fitzpatrick, Rosen vie for job
DAVIE — As the Miami Dolphins enter the final week of the preseason, coach Brian Flores is no rush to publicly name a winner to his starting quarterback competition.
Flores, speaking Sunday ahead of Miami’s final preseason game Thursday night, says quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh Rosen could play with third-stringer Jake Rudock on the road against the New Orleans Saints as he continues to evaluate them.
“I think they’re both working hard, both have leadership, both have done a lot of good things,” Flores said of Fitzpatrick and Rosen. “This will be a hard decision for the staff.”
The Dolphins begin the 2019 regular season at home, hosting the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 8.
Flores answered playfully when asked if he will reveal his starting quarterback during Week 1 before the season opener.
“We’ll make a decision by then. Whether we tell you guys by then is another story,” Flores said with a laugh.
Fitzpatrick has seemed to lead the competition throughout the offseason and training camp, until his recent start in the third preseason game last week where he struggled to lead the Dolphins offense against a tough Jacksonville Jaguars defense.
Rosen has come on strong throughout the preseason, making the decision tougher for Flores, a firsttime NFL head coach.
Dolphins notes
Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso returned to practice on Sunday after an undisclosed injury. Because of his absence throughout training camp and the preseason, Alonso has fallen behind second-year standout Jerome Baker and newcomer Sam Eguavoen on Miami’s depth chart at the position.
“Guys who make plays are a fit — period. So, he’s a guy who’s made a lot of plays in his career. We just have to get him out here,” Flores said when asked about Alonso.
“Is he a fit? You have to be healthy to be a fit. He’s getting close. I have a lot of respect for Kiko. He’s been in every meeting, and he’s in tune with what we’re doing. I think once we see that from him, we’ll have a clearer picture.”
■ On the Dolphins’ second starting cornerback job opposite Xavien Howard, Flores complimented the play of newcomers Eric Rowe and Jomal Wiltz, who both played under Flores with the Patriots.
“I thought Eric Rowe played well. There were some things we didn’t like. A [defensive pass interference] penalty on the long ball, but he tackled well and made the play on the ball for interception. I think he’s had a productive camp. So he’s played well.
“I thought Wiltz has played well. X (Howard), obviously has played well over the course of camp. I thought Torry McTyer went in and made some plays as well. There’s a lot of competition there. … We need depth at those positions.”
■ Flores also praised receiver/returner Jakeem Grant, who recently signed a new four-year deal that could reach $24 million.
“You know, I’m a great proponent of the kicking game. And his ability to make big plays in those area, I think it’s very important. As a receiver, he’s obviously, can be dynamic,” Flores said of Grant.
■ The Dolphins enter the final week of the preseason, needing to trim their roster from 91 players to 53 players and 11 practice squad players. While teams are allotted 10 practice squad players, the Dolphins have an exemption to retain Brazilian newcomer Durval Neto because of his participation in the league’s International Player Pathway Program.
“You only get 46 to the game, so when you’re picking those 53, you need the best 53,” Flores said. “To let a good player go because of numbers or you have an exact number in your head, I don’t think that’s the best for the team. We need the best 53 guys we have.”