The Miami Dolphins played one of the most exciting games in the NFL last week. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 466 yards and three touchdowns (and an interception) while Tyreek Hill had 11 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns. In a back-and-forth slugfest, the Dolphins finally defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 36-34.
They do not have an easy Week Two matchup, though, as they are traveling to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. Fortunately for the Dolphins, they dodged a major injury bullet this week and are going into the division rivalry game with all of their top offensive weapons.
The Miami Dolphins Will Have Running Back Raheem Mostert Available vs the New England Patriots
Earlier this week, running back Raheem Mostert popped up on the injury report with a sore knee. This was problematic because Mostert has had a history of knee injuries. He was not injured in the game against Los Angeles, but only had 10 carries for 37 yards. He did, though, score a touchdown.
After missing a couple of days of practice, the Dolphins removed his injury designation and he is good to go against New England, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero:
#Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (knee) is off the injury report and expected to play Sunday vs. the #Patriots. OT Terron Armstead (back/ankle/knee) is questionable.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 15, 2023
Had Mostert not been able to play, Salvon Ahmed would have been the team’s starter. He had three carries for 11 yards against the Chargers.
Raheem Mostert Injury History
- November 2017: MCL sprain
- November 2018: Forearm fracture
- August 2019: Concussion
- July 2020: Calf strain
- September 2020: MCL sprain
- October 2020: High ankle sprain
- December 2020: High ankle sprain
- June 2021: Patella knee sprain
- September 2021: Meniscus trim
- November 2022: Knee strain
- January 2023: Fractured thumb
Raheem Mostert Is More Important Than Many Realize
The Dolphins were not able to get much going on the ground against the Chargers’ stout run defense. Mostert’s 10 rushes for 37 yards led the team. However, he still found a way to have a major impact on the game.
According to PFF, Mostert had the second-highest pass blocking grade on the team in Week One with a 77.1. Only left guard Isaiah Wynn had a better grade (80.3). Mostert’s pass protection was so good, his teammates got him a celebratory cake:
The Dolphins coaches gave Raheem Mostert a cake for protecting the rock against the Chargers😂 pic.twitter.com/rF8mW0F4jR
— King of Phinland🐬👑 (@KingOfPhinland) September 15, 2023
The Patriots’ had five defenders with run defense grades over 70 according to PFF. Three of of them were New England secondary players, meaning that the cornerbacks and safeties are going to be tough to break big gains on.
However, only three Patriots defenders had pass rush grades over 70. If they cannot get to Tagovailoa because of Mostert and the pass protection, Dolphins fans might be treated to another big day in the passing game.
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