Dolphins to Be Without a Running Back Thursday...Maybe Two

Running backs Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane were both injured in the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (31) runs with the football against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins will be missing at least one of their running backs when they face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, and it could wind up being two. There wasn't any more clarity regarding the Miami Dolphins' top two running backs Tuesday, which certainly wouldn't seem like good news heading into their AFC East battle against the Buffalo Bills.

Head coach Mike McDaniel said before practice Wednesday that Raheem Mostert will not play in the AFC East battle at Hard Rock Stadium, while the team will determine De'Von Achane's status later.

McDaniel said the short week affected Mostert's status. Mostert is dealing with a chest injury. McDaniel said Mostert was injured early in the game but continued to play.

Achane, meanwhile, is dealing with an ankle injury that appeared to occur when he was tackled after catching a pass on the game-winning field goal drive.

The team will release its final injury report of the week on Wednesday afternoon, complete with game status designations.

THE DOLPHINS CONTINGENCY PLANS AT RUNNING BACK

Jeff Wilson, Jr. and rookie fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright are the other two running backs on the roster, and the Dolphins also could elevate first-year running back Deneric Prince from the practice squad in a pinch.

Despite getting a rushing attempt in the fourth quarter, Wilson led the team with rushing yards (with a very modest 26 yards). Wright flashed big-time potential in the preseason when he led the team with 137 yards from scrimmage.

Asked about the possibility of playing with Mostert and Achane, Smith said, "It kind of goes into the whole offseason program and the way we approach things. That way we try and be versatile with all the guys and make sure that we can understand where they can fit with the roster and when we have any issues and guys get 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. So, whatever happens when we go to Thursday, we'll have a plan and be able to get ourselves in the best position for competing on Thursday versus Buffalo."