The Miami Dolphins' apprehension to act on a Dalvin Cook deal and their inability to strike a trade for Jonathan Taylor may be coming back to haunt them.
On Thursday, the team placed running back Jeff Wilson Jr. on injured reserve due to a midsection injury and finger issue. Head coach Mike McDaniels told reporters that he wouldn't be surprised if Wilson returns to action this season, but that they "will let his body tell us."
Mike McDaniel said RB Jeff Wilson Jr. has a midsection injury + finger issue. He couldn’t protect himself so they gave him time to heal by placing him on injured reserve.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 31, 2023
McDaniel expects rookie RB De’Von Achane (shoulder) to get practice work ahead of Chargers Week 1 game.
Wilson's injury is the latest blow to an already ailing backfield in South Beach. Third-round rookie De'Von Achane continues to work his way back from a shoulder injury sustained in the team's second preseason game, although the team does expect him to be available for Week 1. Salvon Ahmed, who dazzled in Miami's preseason finale with a 10.8 YPC average, remains day-to-day after avoiding a concussion against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
— Miami Sports Vibes (@SportsVibes305) August 26, 2023
On Tuesday, the team released Myles Gaskin, who was swiftly signed to the Minnesota Vikings active roster just one day after. Gaskin led the Dolphins in rushing yards in 2020 and 2021, totaling 1,196 yards.
Despite the rapid turnover in their backfield, Miami remains in good hands with starter Raheem Mostert. One of the league's most underappreciated players, Mostert's 4.9 YPC in 2022 tied for seventh-best among NFL running backs. However, at 31 years old, Mostert is the oldest starting running back in the NFL, leaving the Dolphins with minimal upside in their backfield.
Highest yards per carry among NFL RBs over past five seasons (minimum of 250 carries):
— NFL Player Stats (@NFLPlayerStats) April 19, 2023
1. Rashaad Penny - 5.7 YPC (337 car)
2. Raheem Mostert - 5.4 YPC (458 car)
3. Nick Chubb - 5.2 YPC (1210 car)
4. Gus Edwards - 5.2 YPC (501 car)
5. Tony Pollard - 5.1 YPC (510 car) pic.twitter.com/oKVgnzUMU3
The Dolphins have spent much of the summer entangled in speculation at the running back position, linked to multiple potential splash acquisitions.
Miami was believed to be at the forefront of trade talks involving Taylor, but understandably scoffed at Indianapolis' asking price which, according to the Miami Herald, included wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and more. They were also believed to be in the driver's seat to land Cook before he ultimately signed with Miami's AFC East rival, the New York Jets.
Before Cook's release, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that the Dolphins nearly completed a trade with the Vikings for Cook in March. Upon Cook hitting the free agency pool, the South Florida native appeared destined for a homecoming. However, contrary to popular belief, Miami wasn't keen on signing Cook to anything beyond a "bargain" deal, per Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald.
Dolphins never made Jets-bound Dalvin Cook an offer that was seriously considered. Ultimately, they would have taken him at bargain basement number but never felt they really needed him. Nor did Jets interest worry them one iota.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 15, 2023
Now the Dolphins are less than two weeks away from their season opener with Mostert and undrafted rookie Chris Brooks as the lone healthy running backs on their roster. Not ideal for a unit that finished 2022 as the 26th-best rushing attack in the NFL.
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