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Brian Flores stands by Tua Tagovailoa amid more Deshaun Watson trade talk

'Tua is our quarterback,' Dolphins coach says of 2020 first-round pick
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa walks off field after loss to Jacksonville Jaguars in London in 2021
Posted at 4:04 PM, Oct 22, 2021
and last updated 2021-10-22 16:04:25-04

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is standing by Tua Tagovailoa amid another report that the team is seeking a trade to bring Deshaun Watson to Miami.

"I don't really get into rumors," Flores told reporters Friday. "Tua is our quarterback. We're happy with our quarterback situation and I'll leave it at that, which I've said multiple times."

The Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday that a trade between Miami and the Texans could be finalized this week.

Watson, who is facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate conduct, requested a trade during the offseason. He remains on Houston's roster but has not played in or been active for a game this season.

Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson in December 2020
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Dec. 27, 2020, in Houston.

Tagovailoa, who missed three games with fractured ribs, led the Dolphins to their lone win of the season in the opening game at New England.

The Dolphins (1-5) are mired in a five-game losing streak. Last weekend's 23-20 loss to Jacksonville in London ended the Jaguars' 20-game losing streak.

Despite talk of a trade deal in the works, Flores doesn't see it as a distraction for his team.

"I think our players are kind of blocking out all the stuff that's gone on outside of our building," he said.

The Dolphins made Tagovailoa the No. 5 overall pick in last year's draft, but he has battled injuries since his final season at Alabama.

Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa helped off field after rib injury vs. Buffalo Bills, Sept. 19, 2021
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is helped off the field with a rib injury along with head coach Brian Flores (right) during a game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Flores said the entire organization continues to support Tagovailoa.

"I think we do that for every player and Tua is no different," he said.

Miami hosts the Atlanta Falcons (2-3) on Sunday.

The Texans play at Miami on Nov. 7 -- five days after the NFL trade deadline.