Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick mourns loss of his mother

The Miami Dolphins held a dress rehearsal for the 2020 NFL season this morning, with the team holding a scrimmage at Hard Rock Stadium to help further boost the team’s preparations for the upcoming schedule. Miami will not open the season at Hard Rock Stadium, instead they’ll travel north and play in New England before hosting the Bills in Week 2 for their home opener.

But Miami’s Saturday morning was not a dress rehearsal for everyone on the roster, the Dolphins scrimmaged without several key players. The Dolphins did not see wide receiver DeVante Parker or linebacker Kyle Van Noy play in the simulated game — but the biggest surprise came when veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick appeared to be a “late scratch” for the day.

Reports from those in attendance at Hard Rock Stadium indicate that Fitzpatrick left the stadium shortly after the stretching period, appearing distraught during a private conversation with head coach Brian Flores before leaving the field.

His absence is more than understandable — Flores met with the South Florida media after the scrimmage and relayed the news that Fitzpatrick’s mother passed away this morning.

Fitzpatrick will take whatever time he needs to mourn, but Flores did say that there’s no change in his status as a member of the team. There will be no opt-out or retirement due to his loss and Fitzpatrick will be given as much time as he needs.

“There’s no QB controversy. He’s not retiring. He’s not opting out.”

But family will take priority during this difficult time, as it should. And when Fitzpatrick is ready to step back onto to the field, he will.