MIAMI -- Dolphins coach Brian Flores endorsed Tua Tagovailoa on Friday, following rumors that Deshaun Watson might be traded to the Houston Texans.
Flores stated that rumors are not something I get into -- Tua is our quarterback." Flores was asked about Watson. "We are happy with our quarterback situation. It's something I've repeated multiple times.
The Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday that Watson is the subject of 22 lawsuits. Before the first lawsuit against Watson was filed, he requested a trade. He has not been in any games this season and has not participated in or been active for any of them.
The Dolphins' lone win in the season was won by Tagovailoa in Week 1. They are currently on a losing streak of five games.
Flores had previously supported Tagovailoa in a team meeting that week prior to Miami's victory over the Patriots. Later that week, he called Tagovailoa "our captain" and stated that it was crucial for coaches and players to feel supported by their team.
Tagovailoa stated in September that "It means a lot" because it comes from the head coach. It means a lot to me that he and the team support me.
The No. The 2020 No. 5 pick has thrown for 544 yards and 3 touchdowns, along with 2 interceptions, in three games this season. However, he only played six snaps against Week 2's Buffalo Bills before sustaining fractured ribs. For Miami's loss against the Jaguars, he returned to injured reserve and completed 33 of 47 passes for 329 yard, 2 touchdowns, and an interception.
Flores praised Tagovailoa’s performance this season as well as his conduct throughout the week.
"I think his preparation, how he practices, and the way that he performs have been excellent. Flores stated that he performed very well last week. His psyche seems to be in a good place. He's a confident child, he is a tough kid, and he has played in two games this season, so he should be confident in his performance. Because of his play, we have a lot confidence in him.
"He's developing. This kid is intelligent, I believe he's, and I believe he's talented. He's very accurate and I believe he has the potential to be a great NFL player. ... Every career and every profession has its bumps. These bumps are necessary to overcome and you will be better off.
Rumours of the Dolphins trading Watson for them have been swirling for months. According to some reports, Watson's favorite destination is Miami. While the NFL continues to investigate the allegations against Watson, Watson has not been punished. Houston has stated its intention to keep Watson out of the game, but it's not clear if Watson would be allowed to play this year if he was traded to another team.
Flores stated that his players are blocking out "outside of our building" things as they prepare for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons
Liam Eichenberg, rookie tackle, said that while some of us may have heard of it, it is not a distraction at all. "The most important thing about this week is that we play the Falcons and need to win. Everyone should be focusing on the Falcons right now, I believe.
