Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert is in heated talks with Coach and will not play
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert is officially listed as doubtful to play in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. The news comes after Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed his pessimism about Mostert’s availability earlier on Friday. Mostert, who suffered a chest injury during the Dolphins’ Week 1 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, has yet to fully recover and will likely miss his second consecutive game. His absence will further impact the Dolphins’ offensive game plan, which has already been disrupted due to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion, keeping him sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Mostert, who has been a key piece in Miami’s backfield rotation, was expected to play a major role this season, given his explosiveness and experience. In Week 1, he contributed significantly to the Dolphins’ win, but his chest injury has since prevented him from taking the field. The short recovery window between games likely played a part in his absence in Week 2, and now it appears he’ll need more time before returning to full health.
Without Mostert, the Dolphins will have to rely heavily on rookie running back De’Von Achane to carry the load against Seattle. Achane has quickly earned the trust of the Dolphins’ coaching staff, particularly after his impressive showing against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. In that game, Achane handled 29 touches and provided a bright spot for Miami, even as the team struggled in a blowout loss to their AFC East rivals. Achane’s ability to make plays both as a runner and a receiver will be crucial for the Dolphins as they look to bounce back from the loss and overcome Seattle’s defense.
Achane is expected to lead the backfield, but Miami will also look to other options to provide support. Jeff Wilson Jr., who has been in the Dolphins’ system since last year, will likely get some snaps, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Wilson is a tough runner who can complement Achane’s speed with his more physical style. Additionally, rookie Jaylen Wright might see some action when Achane needs a breather. Wright, while unproven at the NFL level, has shown promise in training camp and could be used to spell Achane during long drives or in specific situations.
The Dolphins will face a challenging Seattle defense, and with Tua Tagovailoa out, the pressure will be on Miami’s running game to provide consistent production. Head coach Mike McDaniel will likely craft a run-heavy game plan to protect backup quarterback Skylar Thompson, who is expected to start in place of Tagovailoa. Thompson has shown flashes of potential but lacks the experience of a veteran quarterback. Relying on the ground game, led by Achane and supported by Wilson and Wright, will be critical to Miami’s success.
If Mostert is unable to play in Week 3, it will mark his second straight missed game, raising concerns about the long-term durability of Miami’s running back corps. Mostert has dealt with injuries throughout his career, and while the Dolphins have depth at the position, losing a player of his caliber for multiple games could have a ripple effect on the team’s offensive efficiency.
Mostert’s speed and vision have made him a valuable asset when healthy, and his absence will be felt not only in the running game but also in pass protection and special teams, where he has contributed in the past. The Dolphins will hope that he can return to the lineup soon, but in the meantime, they must focus on finding ways to move the ball against a tough Seahawks defense.
In fantasy football terms, Mostert’s doubtful designation makes Achane a must-start option for Week 3. After handling 29 touches last week, Achane is expected to see a similar workload against Seattle. Fantasy managers should also keep an eye on Jeff Wilson Jr., who could vulture a touchdown or two if the Dolphins get into the red zone. Wright remains more of a deep sleeper, as his role is still uncertain, but he could emerge as a factor if the Dolphins decide to split the workload more evenly.
Mostert’s injury continues to be a setback for Miami’s offense, but the emergence of Achane gives the Dolphins hope as they head into a pivotal Week 3 matchup with Seattle.