The regular season is right around the corner, which means the Miami Dolphins need to start making some final decisions about their running backs. While expectations were low entering the offseason, the unit has collectively impressed throughout training camp and the preseason. Because of this impressive play, the Dolphins are going to have to make some difficult decisions.
Predicting the Running Backs for the Miami Dolphins Before Roster Cuts
The Unexpected Miami Dolphins Running Backs
Every single year, teams sign players just to be camp bodies. These guys are only around to ensure that nobody gets overworked, and they rarely actually make a push for the roster. Chris Brooks is the exception to the rule here, and his steller play has put him in the discussion for a roster spot. Brooks has shown his ability to be a physical and bruising runner. Brooks has rushed over two games this preseason for 4.5 yards a carry. While the Dolphins offense is built on speed, Brooks could add a new dimension to the running game as a bruising and punishing threat, especially in short-yardage situations.
With names like Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. locked in at numbers one and two on the Miami Dolphins running back depth chart, the Dolphins had pass-catching back Myles Gaskin as the number three, back. After not winning the Dalvin Cook sweepstakes, it seemed the Dolphins had solidified the running back depth chart. No one informed Salvon Ahmed of this. Ahmed after only having one catch for six yards and zero carries against the Falcons, had 12 carries for 99 yards in last week’s 28-3 win over the Houston Texans. He also added four catches for 32 yards including a touchdown.
I Am Third
Much like the Gayle Sayers book of the same name, the third back on the depth chart, Myles Gaskin had seven carries for 57 yards against the Falcons. He also had two catches for 20 yards in that contest. Gaskin did not play in last week’s game against the Texans. This could indicate the Dolphins coaches have decided that Gaskin will be the number three back as reflected on the depth chart. That is to say, last week’s game against the Texans was an audition for either the fourth running back spot on the depth chart or a spot on the practice squad. The backs that did play last week were Mostert, Ahmed, Brooks, and De’Von Achane.
The Other Rookie
The aforementioned De’Von Achane, a third-round pick in this past year’s NFL draft, did not look great carrying the ball against the Falcons. He did, however, look good catching the ball against the Falcons, having four receptions for 41 yards. After averaging only 2.5 yards a carry against the Falcons, he had a bounce-back game against the Texans where he had six carries for 27 yards.
Not having Gaskin play against Houston may indicate the top three spots are locked. While Brooks has impressed and would add a different dimension to the running game he likely does not make the roster. Ahmed, meanwhile, winds up on the practice squad. That means Achane is likely the fourth back on the roster largely based on his potential as a third-round draft pick.
Seeing which running backs make the final roster for the Miami Dolphins is a bittersweet process. Chris Brooks is one of those players Dolphins fans are likely rooting for because of the talent he showed that is even more endearing because he is an undrafted rookie free agent. While he has shown a lot of heart and played well, he likely will not make this roster.
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Main Photo: Corey Perrine – USA Today Sports
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