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River Cracraft, Cam Smith, David Long

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MIAMI GARDENS – Miami Dolphins receiver River Cracraft is expected to be out for an extended period after suffering an upper-body injury on Saturday.

Cracraft, who had risen to become the third-best receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, was injured on the play in which he caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Tue Tagovailoa, the only touchdown in Miami's 13-6 victory over the Washington Commanders.

Coach Mike McDaniel said Cracraft will be out “certainly for some time,” but added, “It doesn't look like the season is over.”

“Nobody likes to see injuries in general, I'm at the top of the list,” McDaniel said. “If there's anyone who can handle adversity, it's River Cracraft. I don't know how many teams he's played on, but it's a lot and he's worked his way up to being a very good player in this league and that confidence will continue.”

“When he comes back, I expect him to be the best version of himself, just like you saw.”

Cracraft's injury could open the door for someone like Erik Ezukanma and Malik Washington.

Waddle was sidelined for just over a week with an unspecified injury, and Odell Beckham Jr. has been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of practice.

McDaniel gave an update on both.

“There was a little emphasis on depth in the room,” he said. “But there are other reservations. Do we deal with Jaylen Waddle the way we would in the season? The answer is, 'No.'

“We're getting a very clear picture of some very tough battles and the guys that were given opportunities. Some of the younger receivers were heavily involved. Whether they were targeted or not, we really saw who we're working with and we'll continue to do that.”

McDaniel again gave no indication as to when Beckham would come onto the field.

“Every week there's been progress,” McDaniel said. “I just know what he's committed to, what we've committed to for him, is to continue to develop the offense throughout the season so we can be at our best when it matters.”

Further injury updates

Corner Daniela Schmidt Patient-to-patient conditions vary “week to week” after he left Saturday’s game with ice on his right thigh.

“I can see him doing well week to week,” McDaniel said. “He's made the most of his opportunities, he's fully engaged in things. He's given up plays that he's learned something from and made plays that he's evolved from. He's overcome some adversity, which is huge for a cornerback in this league.”

“He has made good progress.”

Linebackers David Long was allowed to return after leaving the game on Saturday.

“The window of opportunity we had planned had closed, so we didn't send him back there,” McDaniel said.

Run back Chris Brooks is in the concussion protocol.

Receiver Braylon Sanders is out week to week due to a lower body injury.

Tom D'Angelo is senior sports columnist and golf reporter for The Palm Beach Post. Reach him at [email protected].

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