Dolphins take injury hit at RB after missing out on Jonathan Taylor, Dalvin Cook

Wilson's injury is the latest blow to an already ailing backfield in South Beach. Third-round rookie De'Von Achane continues to work his way back from a shoulder injury sustained in the team's second preseason game, although the team does expect him to be available for Week 1. Salvon Ahmed, who dazzled in Miami's preseason finale with a 10.8 YPC average, remains day-to-day after avoiding a concussion against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

On Tuesday, the team released Myles Gaskin, who was swiftly signed to the Minnesota Vikings active roster just one day after. Gaskin led the Dolphins in rushing yards in 2020 and 2021, totaling 1,196 yards. 

Despite the rapid turnover in their backfield, Miami remains in good hands with starter Raheem Mostert. One of the league's most underappreciated players, Mostert's 4.9 YPC in 2022 tied for seventh-best among NFL running backs. However, at 31 years old, Mostert is the oldest starting running back in the NFL, leaving the Dolphins with minimal upside in their backfield. 

The Dolphins have spent much of the summer entangled in speculation at the running back position, linked to multiple potential splash acquisitions. 

Miami was believed to be at the forefront of trade talks involving Taylor, but understandably scoffed at Indianapolis' asking price which, according to the Miami Herald, included wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and more. They were also believed to be in the driver's seat to land Cook before he ultimately signed with Miami's AFC East rival, the New York Jets. 

Before Cook's release, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that the Dolphins nearly completed a trade with the Vikings for Cook in March. Upon Cook hitting the free agency pool, the South Florida native appeared destined for a homecoming. However, contrary to popular belief, Miami wasn't keen on signing Cook to anything beyond a "bargain" deal, per Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald.

Now the Dolphins are less than two weeks away from their season opener with Mostert and undrafted rookie Chris Brooks as the lone healthy running backs on their roster. Not ideal for a unit that finished 2022 as the 26th-best rushing attack in the NFL.