The high-powered Dolphins offense is adding some more talent to the mix. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Dolphins have activated running back Jeff Wilson Jr. from injured reserve.
The activation comes at a good time for the Dolphins. Rookie sensation De’Von Achane landed on injured reserve with a knee injury, and UDFA rookie Chris Brooks has also been shelved for at least the next four weeks. That left Raheem Mostert and Salvon Ahmed as the only healthy RBs on the roster, but Wilson will provide an experienced option that the Dolphins can add to the mix.
Wilson, who has missed time due to finger and rib issues, was deemed ready to play in time for last week. However, roster calculus led to his 2023 debut being delayed until Week 7, something head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed earlier in the week would take place. Today’s expected move will use up one of Miami’s seven remaining IR activations.
Mostert has had success as the Dolphins’ top back, recording 20 touches in a game on two occasions so far this season. The 31-year-old has found the end zone in all but one contest in 2023, and he leads the NFL with nine rushing touchdowns. His role as RB1 will likely not be in doubt with Wilson back in the picture, but the latter has proven to be an efficient complementary option both with the 49ers and the Dolphins. Both backs inked two-year deals this offseason, and with Achane currently unavailable, they will aim to prove those investments to be worthwhile.
Wilson, 27, averaged 4.7 yards per carry in his eight games in South Beach last season after being dealt away by the 49ers following their Christian McCaffrey acquisition. The former UDFA saw a 53% snap share in Miami in 2022, and it will be interesting to see how large of a workload he handles upon his return this year. The Dolphins lead the league in both passing (324) and rushing (182) yards per game through six weeks, and Sunday’s primetime matchup against the Eagles figures to be an offensive shootout. Miami will have another option in the backfield for that contest as Wilson prepares to make his season debut.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
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