Report: Dolphins name Tagovailoa starting QB
The Miami Dolphins are naming Tua Tagovailoa their new starting quarterback, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Ryan Fitzpatrick will now take on backup duties. With the Dolphins on a bye, Tagovailoa's first start will be a home date versus the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 1.
The rookie quarterback is coming off his first NFL appearance, completing two passes for 9 yards at the tail end of a 24-0 blowout victory over the New York Jets in Week 6.
The Dolphins selected Tagovailoa with the No. 5 pick in this year's draft. The expectation was that the former Alabama standout would eventually become Miami's franchise quarterback.
Tagovailoa entered the NFL with an impressive resume after winning a national championship and being named SEC Offensive Player of the Year during his time with the Crimson Tide.
He served as Fitzpatrick's backup to begin the season, and Dolphins head coach Brian Flores alluded to Tagovailoa's injury history as a big reason why he didn't rush the signal-caller into action.
Tagovailoa underwent surgery on a dislocated hip and posterior wall fracture in November 2019, and he'll now start for the first time since the injury.
Fitzpatrick started the first six games of the season for the Dolphins, throwing 10 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
The Dolphins are second in the AFC East with a 3-3 record, and they could be in a position to push for the playoffs with Tagovailoa under center.