The Miami Dolphins running back room is full. And it’s fully healthy. Raheem Mostert announced Monday that he’s been cleared to participate in training camp, which begins Wednesday for the Dolphins.
That means Miami should have their full complement of backs on the field — great news for Mike McDaniel, Tua Tagovailoa, and the Dolphins’ offense in general.
Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert ‘CLEARED’ to practice
Mostert has not taken a live practice or game snap since undergoing major knee surgery last October.
Mostert, then a member of the San Francisco 49ers, had significant cartilage damage in his left knee, and the rehab from the injury kept him out of all spring ball.
But the Dolphins had enough optimism about his recovery that they gave him a one-year, $2.1 million contract with $1 million fully guaranteed in March.
Time will tell if that was a smart gamble, but certainly, Monday’s news was a positive development. The Dolphins hinted at Mostert’s improved health outlook by declining to put him on the physically unable to perform list. But Mostert used social media Monday to make it official.
“GM everyone!” Mostert wrote on Twitter. “Wanted to give you all an update…Yah Boy is CLEARED!!! It’s go time!!
A look at the Dolphins’ running back room
Now, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Dolphins still showed some caution with Mostert, at least early on in camp. He’s appeared in just 59 games in seven NFL seasons, so the Dolphins would be wise to put the still-speedy 30-year-old on a maintenance program.
But at some points, the safeguards will be lifted, and Mostert will be asked to be a big part of a suddenly deep running back room.
He and fellow newcomer Chase Edmonds will likely get the majority of regular season touches — assuming health, of course. But it’s still TBD who will be RB1 and who will be RB2.
Edmonds, based on his contract (two years, $12.1 million, with $6.1 million guaranteed), is certainly the frontrunner. But Mostert can make it interesting if he can find his 2019 form — when McDaniel and Kyle Shanahan unlocked his potential to the tune of 952 yards from scrimmage and 10 offensive touchdowns.
An easy, obvious comp would be the Niners’ running back rotation in 2019. Mostert and Tevin Coleman both had 137 carries that year, while Matt Breida got 123.
So the question this camp isn’t just who will be RB1 and RB2, but also RB3.
It’ll be intriguing to see just how much Sony Michel — another proven vet signed by the Dolphins on the cheap — has left. Michel is dimished, but he isn’t exactly washed. His 4.1 yards per carry in 2021 was basically right at his career average.
Those three new names have significantly improved a position group that brings back Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed, and Gerrid Doaks from a year ago. Six running backs will enter the training camp Octagon. How many will leave with a roster spot? Stay tuned.
