Raiders preparing for both Dolphins’ QBs Tua Tagovailoa and Jacoby Brissett

Miami’s starting quarterback is injured

Tuesday is a vital day for the Las Vegas Raiders’ coaching staff as it spends the day making its game plan for Sunday’s home game against the Miami Dolphins.

This week, the process is a tad tricky for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and his staff because of the questions at the Dolphins’ quarterback position. Dolphins’ starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa departed Sunday’s 35-0 home defeat to the Buffalo Bills with a ribs injury. On Monday, Miami coach Brian Flores told reporters that the injury wasn’t as serious as it could have been and the second-year quarterback from Alabama is “day-to-day.”

Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett finished the game and he will start at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday if Tagovailoa can’t play.

Thus, the Raiders’ coaching staff will have to monitor Miami’s daily practice report to help them prepare for the quarterback. Monday, Las Vegas coach Jon Gruden acknowledged the Raiders will have to be flexible in preparing for Miami, but did note they have faced both Tagovailoa and Brissett in the past.

“We know Tua from competing against him last year,” Gruden said. “We have also seen Brissett when he was a Colt, so we know something about them both.”

BILL INGRAM / Palm Beach Post via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Last December Tagovailoa completed 17 of 22 passes or 94 yards against the Raiders and was replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick (who is no longer in Miami). Fitzpatrick led the Dolphins to a 26-25 win in Las Vegas. In 2019, the Raiders beat Brissett and the Indianapolis Colts. He completed 24 of 46 passes for 265 yards and he threw three touchdown passes. Last week, Brissett was 24 of 40 for 169 yards against Buffalo.

Of course, Miami’s coaching staff is also dealing with questions about the Raiders’ quarterback. On Monday, Gruden said starting QB Derek Carr is questionable to play because of an ankle injury. He did finish the game in Pittsburgh after getting hurt and looked good. Gruden said he thinks Carr should be good to go Sunday. If not, Nathan Peterman will start for the 2-0 Raiders.