The Miami Dolphins have officially announced that Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the starting quarterback for the 2020 season opener on the road against the New England Patriots.
Ryan Fitzpatrick officially named the Dolphins’ Week 1 starting QB at New England.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2020
The decision might be the least surprising news of the week, considering that Fitzpatrick was the odds-on favorite to be behind center when Dolphins training camp began.
Top draft pick Tua Tagovailoa will serve as Fitzpatrick’s backup, though the Dolphins are hoping that the rookie can continue to develop his potential on the practice field and be prepared to eventually take over the role.
The 37-year-old Fitzpatrick is beginning his 16th season in the NFL and his second with the Dolphins. Last year, he started 13 of the 15 games he played in, throwing for 3,529 yards and 20 touchdowns.
One of the other contenders for Fitzpatrick’s job during training camp, Josh Rosen, was released by the Dolphins over the weekend and subsequently signed to back up Tom Brady in Tampa Bay.
Last year, the Dolphins upset the Patriots in the regular-season finale at New England by a score of 27-24. Sunday’s contest will mark a new era for Bill Belichick’s squad, with Brady no longer running the team’s offense after having led them to six Super Bowl titles in the past two decades.