MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins aren’t saying whether they will have their top two running backs against their biggest rival, but the odds don’t look great.
Raheem Mostert (chest) and De’Von Achane (ankle) were again listed as did-not-participate Tuesday in the team’s league-mandated practice estimation. Earlier in the day, Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith expressed uncertainty about both players’ availability for Thursday night’s showdown with the Buffalo Bills.
Miami Dolphins’ Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane Injury Update
Important context: The Dolphins have gotten more and more secretive when it comes to injury information. And neither player looked like they got seriously hurt in Sunday’s 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But the short-week turnaround could make small issues into big problems.
“It’s a process for everyone,” Smith said. “So everything happens fast. So we’re just working through with all the guys. Just, you know, each guy is going through a process on the turnaround. So we know it’s going to be a full process for each guy as we get ready for Thursday.”
Asked how that uncertainty impacts the team’s preparation, Smith replied:
“I think it kind of goes into the whole offseason program and the way we approach things. We try to be versatile with all guys and make sure that we like where they can fit with the roster.
“When we have any issues, to step up in different roles and stuff like that, we have a good feeling of knowing what they can do. And that’s the good thing about this football team. We have a bunch of guys that are very willing to do whatever’s necessary and have complete skill sets.”
While Mostert is the Pro Bowler, Achane would probably be the bigger loss if he cannot play. He tied for the team lead in catches (seven) and had 100 yards from scrimmage in the Jaguars game.
If one or both cannot go, it would all but guarantee that rookie Jaylen Wright would make his NFL debut. Wright was a healthy scratch in Week 1.
Why?
“It goes into what are the needs of the roster and where you need guys and a lot of times it’s special teams needs, defensive needs, what style of offense you’re playing. So there’s multiple things that go into decisions of who are inactive. But he’s done a great job. We’re really excited about him. And all of our players are really excited about these guys and how we’re gonna play, especially this week versus a division rival in Buffalo.”
Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins Injury Report
Bills
Did Not Practice
CB Taron Johnson (forearm)
DE Dawuane Smoot (toe)
Limited
TB Ty Johnson (knee)
DE Javon Solomon (oblique)
Full
QB Josh Allen (left hand)
TE Quintin Morris (shoulder)
QB Mitchell Trubisky (knee)
Dolphins
Did Not Practice
RB De’Von Achane (ankle)
RB Raheem Mostert (chest)
WR Malik Washington (quadriceps)
Limited
OL Liam Eichenberg (shoulder)
LB Jaelan Phillips (Achilles)
CB Jalen Ramsey (hamstring)
Full
LB David Long Jr. (finger)