After months of whispers surrounding whom the Dolphins would select in the 2020 NFL Draft, the question of whether first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa will play right away in his rookie season remains largely up-in-the-air.
For now, the plan appears for veteran journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick to start out of the gates, the Miami Herald reported Monday.
But that may not be the case for long.
“Miami isn’t opposed to playing Tagovailoa as a rookie if he earns the opportunity at some point this season,” wrote the Herald’s Barry Jackson, citing a source close to the team’s front office.
Tagovailoa, 22, was a divisive prospect on the heels of a season-ending hip injury he suffered in November. With the coronavirus pandemic interfering with offseason activities, the Dolphins may feel less pressured to sit the No. 5 overall pick despite his positive medical status reports.
Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua TagovailoaGetty Images
Fitzpatrick, 37, has 15 years of experience in the NFL and a preexisting relationship with Gailey, who was the Bills’ head coach from 2010-2012 and replaced Chad O’Shea this offseason. Even after a 5-8 finish in 2019, he is the assumed starter heading into 2020 ahead of Tagovailoa and 2018 first-round pick Josh Rosen, who could be on the trading block.
The Dolphins’ first preseason game is slated to take place on Aug. 14 against the Falcons.
