Dolphins' Thompson leaves game, Bridgewater in

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Skylar Thompson's expected one-week run as the Miami Dolphins' starting quarterback lasted for just over one quarter.

And the team's revolving door under center continued.

Thompson left Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings with a bloodied right thumb, marking the fourth consecutive week where the Dolphins saw their starting quarterback leave a game — and the third consecutive game where Miami's starter didn't finish.

The severity of the injury wasn't immediately known. The Dolphins said Thompson was questionable to return, and he was back on the sideline for the second half with the thumb wrapped in tape. But he didn't come back in, and Minnesota prevailed 24-16 to hand Miami its third consecutive loss.

Thompson made his first career start because the Dolphins' top two quarterbacks had been in the NFL's concussion protocols. Tua Tagovailoa had been in the protocols since getting hurt in a game against Cincinnati on Sept. 29, and his backup, Teddy Bridgewater, was in the protocols after getting hurt on the first play of Miami's Oct. 9 game against the New York Jets.

Tagovailoa and Bridgewater both were cleared from the protocols list on Saturday.

Bridgewater checked into the game after Thompson left. Tagovailoa was inactive for the game against the Vikings, but is expected to return to the starting role for Miami's Oct. 23 prime-time game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bridgewater was 23 of 34 for 329 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Thompson was 7 for 13 for 89 yards during Miami's first three series. He became the 25th different quarterback since Dan Marino's retirement after the 1999 season to start a game for the Dolphins.

He also was Miami's third different starter in