Jake

Rudock

Fitzpatrick is reportedly COVID positive, and not merely a “close contact.” At least as of 1:30 PM ET Thursday afternoon, Tua Tagovailoa has yet to be designated a close contact of Fitz. It would appear the Dolphins followed all mask and distancing guidelines, unlike the Broncos quarterbacks ahead of Week 12. Nevertheless, Jake Rudock has been promoted from the practice sqaud to serve as either the No. 2 or No. 1 quarterback depending on Tua’s status. Depending on when Fitzpatrick first tested positive, it’s possible he will not be available for a potential Wild Card matchup should the Dolphins clinch a playoff spot against the Bills on Sunday. It’s a disaster for Miami after Fitzpatrick served as Tua’s Mariano Rivera in Week 16.

Training camp cuts are beginning to storm in with roster sizes set for 80 players this year. Louis missed all of 2019 with a knee injury and is unlikely to make a 53-man roster. The same can be said for Rudock.

Rudock had a decent preseason, completing 30-of-51 passes for 333 yards, four touchdowns and an interception, but should have never been drafted. He has sub-Kellen Moore arm strength. The Michigan product will be stashed on the practice squad, but doesn’t have an NFL future.

Rudock gives Rams QB Sean Mannion a running as the most wasted draft pick of the decade. The rookie has been vastly outplayed by veteran Dan Orlovsky this spring and has virtually no chance to pass him on the depth chart. Rudock spent one year at Michigan but doesn’t have an NFL-caliber arm.

Rudock looked lost during the offseason program, with coach Jim Caldwell saying there was “not a phase” he had “under control.” He has turned it on over the last week, however, and put together a solid performance in the preseason opener, completing 8-of-11 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. Rudock is unlikely to push Dan Orlovsky for the backup job, but he could stick on the roster.

The Bears tried to sign him to their active roster, so the Lions blocked them by promoting the rookie. Rudock will serve as the No. 3 the rest of the year.

A sixth-rounder last year, Rudock spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad before the Lions promoted him in late November to keep the Bears from poaching him. That move indicated Detroit is high on the young quarterback, so this news is not particularly surprising. Despite injury concerns early in his career, Stafford has not missed a game since 2010.

Rudock’s increased size/strength has stood out at OTAs. He’s also showed improved velocity on throws. “He’s gotten stronger, physically,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “He’s thrown better. A little better knowledge, obviously with what he’s doing from an offensive standpoint.” With Dan Orlovsky gone, Rudock will open 2017 as Matt Stafford’s backup.

He was sacked once for a loss of nine yards. Rudock relieved Matthew Stafford after one series and ended up playing most of the first half. He enjoyed strong chemistry with Kenny Golladay, connecting with the rookie three times for 53 yards and two touchdowns. The first of Golladay’s touchdowns was slightly underthrown, though his second was a beauty that Golladay caught on a nifty back-shoulder grab. Rudock also flashed impressive mobility on his two runs, eating up gains of 13 and 11 yards. He’ll work as Stafford’s backup in 2017.

Rudock was an exclusive rights free agent. A 2016 sixth-rounder, Rudock is one of the shakiest backup quarterbacks in the league.