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Flores: Tua's benching not injury-related, will remain starter next week

Mark Brown / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was removed in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos due to performance and not an injury, head coach Brian Flores said, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Flores said the swap was made because Ryan Fitzpatrick “gave us the best chance to win the game,” but Tagovailoa will remain the starter moving forward.

Tagovailoa completed 11 of 20 pass attempts for 83 yards and a touchdown. He was also sacked six times.

"My thoughts were whatever was going to be best for the team. When I was in, we couldn't really get things going," said Tagovailoa.

Prior to Sunday’s game, Fitzpatrick hadn't recorded a pass attempt since Week 6. The 37-year-old helped Miami to a 3-3 record before being benched in favor of Tua. He finished with 12 completions for 117 yards and an interception against the Broncos.

Tagovailoa was named Miami's starter during the team's Week 7 bye. The Hawaii native has started four contests for the Dolphins.

Tua had thrown for 519 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions prior to Week 11.

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