Dolphins’ Flores addresses Tua, new player, Doaks, more. And Flacco to start against Miami
Dolphins coach Brian Flores said Wednesday that Tua Tagovailoa will take most of the quarterback reps in practice this week in advance of starting at the Jets on Sunday.
Tagovailoa didn’t take any first-team reps last week because of his injury (fractured middle finger on his throwing hand) but replaced Jacoby Brissett during the game.
“He’s had some time since the injury, which is good from a healing standpoint,” Flores said of Tagovailoa. “More time equals more healing. Still some discomfort.”
Brissett — who left the Baltimore game with a knee injury but was cleared to return — will be available as Tagovailoa’s backup Sunday, Flores said.
Meanwhile, ESPN reported that Joe Flacco will start — ahead of Mike White — on Sunday against the Dolphins. Zach Wilson, the second overall pick in April’s draft, is working his way back from an injury.
Flacco went 21 for 44 for 188 yards with an interception in a shutout loss to the Dolphins last season. He had five touchdowns and four interceptions in six games last season and has thrown only three passes this season.
“He’s been a good player in this league a long time, smart, experienced,” Flores said.
Flores addressed other issues in his Wednesday news conference:
▪ He said offensive tackle Greg Little’s injury occurred in practice and he’s out at least three weeks. He hasn’t been active in a game this season.
▪ Asked if left guard Austin Jackson might ever move back to left tackle, Flores didn’t shut the door completely but said “we like what he’s doing at guard.”
▪ Cornerback Xavien Howard was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after his 49-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against Baltimore. Howard also forced the fumble.
“We celebrated his player of the week in a meeting this morning, gave him applause,” Flores said, before the team turned its attention to the Jets.
▪ Why do the Dolphins keep protecting rookie seventh-round pick Gerrid Doaks from poaching but never promote him or play him in a game?
“Gerrid is doing a good job,” Flores said. “He’s learning the game plan every week. takes the approach he’s going to be out there. That’s good.”
Could Doaks’ physicality help in the absence of Malcolm Brown? The Dolphins are last in the league in rushing yards.
“We’ll always try to put the best players out there,” Flores said.
▪ On adding former Bengals starting defensive tackle Andrew Billings to the practice squad, Flores said: “Big body, tough, liked some things on tape. We’re excited to work with him.”
This story was originally published November 17, 2021 at 11:00 AM.
