Dolphins' Fitzpatrick leaves practice early following the death of his mother

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick left the Miami Dolphins' practice at Hard Rock Stadium early on Saturday after learning his mother died, head coach Brian Flores told reporters, including Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.

Fitzpatrick showed up at the Dolphins facility but left before the scrimmage session when he received the news from Flores. The rest of the team took a knee in prayer during practice.

"Fitz has tried to work through. He's always tried to practice," Flores said. "Our hearts go out to him as a team and an organization. ... There's things bigger than football."

Flores added that Fitzpatrick will "take as much time as he needs" before returning to camp.

Fitzpatrick is expected to be the Dolphins' Week 1 starter over first-round rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The journeyman appeared in 15 games (13 starts) for Miami in 2019, racking up 3,529 yards and 20 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.

Miami's depth chart also features 2018 first-round signal-caller Josh Rosen.

The club will open the season on the road on Sept. 13 against the New England Patriots.

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