Will Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert be on a snap count against the Patriots
For the first time since Week 1, the Miami Dolphins will have their top two running backs available for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. Running back Raheem Mostert has not played since he suffered a chest injury early in the first game of the season and is set to return in Week 5.
The Dolphins will welcome Mostert back to the lineup. Mostert led the NFL in touchdowns last season and without Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback, head coach Mike McDaniel has tried to lean more on the run game.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Mostert was removed completely from the injury report on Friday and will play against the Patriots. Mostert practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday, but was upgraded to a full participant on Friday before being removed from the injury report.
While Mostert is set to play for the first time since Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Dolphins running back could remain on a snap count. In his only game action this season, Mostert had six carries for nine yards and added two receptions.
Again, while Mostert will play on Sunday against the Patriots, it’s very possible that the Dolphins ease him back into action. That could mean that Mostert ends up on a snap count in his return.
The Dolphins have primarily had a running back by committee in McDaniel’s offense. It’s only ever a question on how much work each running back gets. Last week, De’Von Achane led the way with 10 carries, but Jaylen Wright was right behind him with nine. Given Achane’s size and play-making ability, the Dolphins would like to give players like Wright and Mostert the touches between the tackles, but still get Achane 10-15 touches per game. If Mostert is on a snap count, he would likely cut into Wright’s touches more than Achane’s.
Mostert’s presence should have a positive impact on Achane as well. With Mostert active in Week 1, 41 percent of Achane’s opportunities came in the form of targets in the passing game. Achane had seven targets in Weeks 1 and 2, but has not had more than five in each of the last two weeks. The Dolphins will be without Tua, but Mostert being available should allow Achane to get more involved in the passing game.
The big question becomes how to handle the Dolphins backfield in fantasy football this week. As always, Achane remains a must-start given his big play upside. Again, he could see more targets in the passing game. The New England Patriots have allowed the sixth-most receptions and 18th-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
With that said, while Mostert will return to the lineup, he is a riskier player in fantasy football. If you are a team in need of a running back Mostert may be worth a flex play. However, it may be worth keeping Mostert on the bench and waiting until he gets that first game under his belt.
