Tagovailoa took a big hit from Buffalo Bills defensive end AJ Epenesa while attempting a failed fourth down pass during their 35-0 loss to the Bills in their home opener on Sunday. He had to be carted off the field.

The quarterback was first believed to have a case of bruised ribs after x-rays taken at the stadium showed negative results. Dolphins coach Brian Flores then pronounced him day-to-day pending further tests.

Subsequent testing however showed that the ribs were actually fractured, and Tagovailoa was ruled out for their Week 3 game.

Brissett to start for the Dolphins

Jacoby Brissett will start in his place against the Raiders and practice squad quarterback Reid Sinnett will be moved up to serve as Brissett’s backup.

Brissett last started a game two years ago for the Indianapolis Colts, but he played almost the entire game after Tagovailoa’s injury on Sunday.

Flores says Tagovailoa is still in a lot of pain, but may come back sooner than anticipated as the quarterback is eager to get back on the field despite his discomfort.

However, he did not give an actual timetable on how long the former first-round pick was expected to be sidelined.

“We’re just going to take it week to week… really, let’s call it day-to-day and week-to-week, but he’ll be out this week,” the coach said.

Tagovailoa wants to play despite injury

“This is a tough kid. He’s doing everything he can to get back as quickly as he can right now. He’s getting better,” he added.

“He’s actually trying to play and we’re just going to save him from himself a little bit on this and hold him out this week.”

The quarterback has not been placed on the injured reserve list at the moment.

Tagovailoa could play on Week 4’s game against the Indianapolis Colts depending on how he recovers from his injury.