Marcus Spears explains why he fears that Tua Tagovailoa will be given the "injury-prone tag" after being ruled out by a rib injury. (1:05).
MIAMI -- Coach Brian Flores announced Wednesday that Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins' quarterback, will be out of Sunday's match against the Las Vegas Raiders because of fractured ribs.
Jacoby Brissett and Reid Sinnett, practice squad quarterback, will face the Raiders.
He's happy and cheerful. Flores described Tagovailoa as a tough kid. He's improving every day. While we want to see him with his teammates, this is the best thing for his health.
Flores described Tagovailoa as "day-today and week-toweek" when it comes to how long he will be absent. He did not say if the 2020 first-round selection will be placed on injured reserve.
Flores stated that Tagovailoa tried to play this week but the Dolphins had to "save" him and keep him out of Week 3. This will allow Flores to open the possibility for him to return to Week 4, depending on his healing.
After taking a blow from Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa, Tagovailoa was forced to withdraw from Miami's loss against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. Flores stated that Tagovailoa attempted to return to the game but was deemed unsafe by Miami.
Brissett was a Tagovailoa player and finished the game with 169 passing yards, and an interception in the 35-0 defeat. Flores stated Monday that Tagovailoa was still in pain and would undergo additional tests, which eventually revealed fractured ribs.
Brissett stated after Sunday's game he does not consider himself a backup quarterback, but that he is a starter. Flores didn't hear Brissett's comments, but said that it's the mindset all players should have regardless of their position.
"That's what he should be hearing, that's what we really tell everyone. Flores stated that it was encouraging to hear this and that Jacoby has confidence in his ability to lead the offensive. "But we must prepare and work hard throughout the week in order to be able to execute.
Flores stated that he doesn’t expect to have to change the Dolphins’ offense other than for players to get used to Tagovailoa's left-handed quarterback.
In his 32-year career, Brissett has played in 32 games, 30 of which were for the Colts in 2017, and 2019. He completed 59.6% his 1,023 passes for 6,628 yards, 31 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
