Dolphins will have to do without Pro Bowl RB in Week 2 against Bills

The Miami Dolphins will be without a reigning Pro Bowler when they face the Buffalo Bills in Week 2, as head coach Mike McDaniel has ruled out running back Raheem Mostert for the upcoming season. Football on Thursday evening clash on Wednesday morning. The sideline chief also explained that the decision on dynamic sophomore running back De'Von Achane would have to be made in the game.

Mostert is coming off an electrifying 2023 season in which he totaled 1,187 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns, including 18 on the ground (a league-high). He is one of the fastest running backs in the league, a crucial part of Miami's offense that relies on outstanding speed at every position. He posted nine yards on six attempts in the Dolphins' Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, with his workload limited by the pectoral injury that will sideline him this Thursday.

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That Buffalo's defense won't have to contain Mostert will be a huge advantage, especially given the absence of linebacker Matt Milano and nickel back Taron Johnson. However, Achane could still prove to be a problem if he does compete, as he's coming off a rookie season in which he averaged 7.8 yards per carry and amassed 997 scrimmage yards. He posted 24 rushing yards and a touchdown on 10 carries in Week 1, while also catching seven passes for 76 yards; he suffered an ankle injury in the Dolphins' win.

Miami's offense will likely rely on Jeff Wilson and rookie Jaylen Wright if Achane joins Mostert on the inactive list, with some simulated running plays possible for wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Bills' Week 2 clash with the Dolphins begins at 8:15 p.m.

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