Grading the Dolphins running backs after their 2023 season

A look at how Miami’s RBs performed this year.

The Miami Dolphins finished their 2023 campaign with an 11-6 record and made the postseason for the second time in as many years under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, it came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.

While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating different positions for the Dolphins in 2023. Today, we’ll look at the running backs.

Dolphins release DE Jason Pierre-Paul, activate rookie RB Chris Brooks from IR

Miami releases a veteran edge rusher and brings back rookie RB.

The Miami Dolphins had a decision to make on Tuesday, as they had hit the deadline to officially activate rookie running back Chris Brooks from injured reserve after three weeks of practice.

Miami used their seventh designation to return on Brooks, and if they hadn’t activated him from injured reserve by Tuesday, they would’ve lost him for the year and wasted the designation.

Brooks, 23, had played mostly on special teams before getting hurt in Miami’s win over the Carolina Panthers. Through his first six games, Brooks rushed for 94 yards on an impressive 6.3 yards per attempt.

To make room for the rookie back on the 53-man roster, the Dolphins released edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul.

Pierre-Paul, 34, was added to the roster after Jaelan Phillips suffered his season-ending Achilles injury. However, Miami the veteran only ended up playing five defensive snaps (and eight on special teams) in his two appearances.

The Dolphins did recently re-sign Melvin Ingram to their practice squad, so if they do end up needing extra help on the edge, Ingram might be able to provide that.

It also wouldn’t be surprising to see Pierre-Paul brought back on the practice squad if he doesn’t get an offer elsewhere.

Dolphins designate RB Chris Brooks to return from IR

Miami’s rookie RB returns to practice.

The Miami Dolphins have been battling injuries in their running back room all season, but it seems that they’re getting healthier at the position.

On Wednesday, Miami designated running back Chris Brooks to return from injured reserve, according to those in attendance at practice.

Brooks, 23, suffered ankle and knee injuries during the Dolphins’ Week 6 matchup with the Carolina Panthers. While he had primarily played on special teams (71 snaps), he did get some opportunities on offense (31 snaps).

The rookie has rushed for 94 yards on 6.3 yards per attempt this season, and with Salvon Ahmed on injured reserve and De’Von Achane dealing with a knee injury of his own, he could provide some depth for a group that could use it.

Grading the Dolphins’ 2023 rookie class heading into the bye week

A look at Miami’s rookie class through nine games.

The Miami Dolphins have begun their season with a 6-3 record through their first nine games, but their three losses have come against the three best teams they’ve faced so far this year.

This Week 10 bye comes at a perfect time for Miami to rest and recover after a defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs in Frankfurt, Germany.

With this also being roughly the halfway point in the season, it’s a great time to reflect on some of the performances that the team had had this year.

Today, we’ll take a look at Miami’s rookie class through nine games.

Dolphins place RB Chris Brooks on IR

Miami loses a depth RB for at least four weeks.

The Miami Dolphins haven’t had the best luck with injuries this season, as many key contributors and depth players have missed time early on.

On Friday, the Dolphins announced some more bad news, as they placed running back Chris Brooks on injured reserve after he suffered ankle and knee injuries during the team’s Week 6 matchup with the Carolina Panthers.

Brooks joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of BYU after this year’s selection process. He’s played in every game this season, rushing for 94 yards on 6.3 yards per carry as well as contributing on special teams.

Miami now has just Raheem Mostert and Salvon Ahmed as healthy running backs on the 53-man roster. They do have options, though, as Jeff Wilson Jr. could come back from injured reserve this weekend and Jake Funk could be elevated from the practice squad.

Mike McDaniel provides updates on a quartet of injured Dolphins

McDaniel had some insight into the health of some injured players.

The Miami Dolphins improved to 5-1 on Sunday after defeating the Carolina Panthers 42-21 at Hard Rock Stadium.

While they’re ecstatic with the result, there’s no doubt that they’re frustrated with the injuries that the team has dealt with just six weeks into the season.

On Monday, the day after the win, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel addressed the media and was asked some questions about players dealing with injuries.

Here’s what he had to say:

Dolphins’ Raheem Mostert gushes about rookie De’Von Achane after four-TD game

Miami got three great performances from their three backs.

The Miami Dolphins got some incredible performances out of their backfield on Sunday, as Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane both found the end zone four times each.

On the ground, the two combined for 285 yards and five scores on an amazing 9.2-yard per carry average. They also brought in 11 passes for another 90 yards and three touchdowns.

Even undrafted running back Chris Brooks got in on the fun, rushing for 66 yards on 7.3 yards per rush.

Following the game, Mostert was asked about the play of Miami’s third-round pick, and he took the opportunity to talk up both young backs.

“The guy’s just a sponge,” Mostert said. “He comes in, he understands the assignments, he understands the playcalling, he understands what he has to do. I give him crap here and there because he’s the rookie. I gotta do that. I gotta do my part. But, all in all, I just can’t be much more proud of him. Both him and Chris Brooks. Chris Brooks, when he gets his opportunity he’s gonna flourish too. I know he is. Those guys really take in coaching.

“I’m still trying to work on De’Von and using his speed in practice but obviously, something worked today, which is a plus. For him to come in and do the things he did, he had 203. 200 is a lot. To be able to come in, as a rookie, and be able to do that, it just speaks volumes about the type of character that he has.”

If Miami gets this kind of effort from their backs every week, it will be extremely tough to stop them throughout this campaign.

Tale of the Tape: Leading Rushers – Audric Estime vs. Chris Brooks

Do you agree that this is about even?

Notre Dame’s Shamrock Series game with BYU likely won’t be known for what the running backs will do. That’s not to say [autotag]Audric Estime[/autotag] hasn’t done well for the Irish this year. Even though we’ve said before that [autotag]Chris Tyree[/autotag] should be the one leading this category, it’s time to come to terms with the likelihood that Estime is the main man to run with the ball going forward. Hopefully, that also means more of an opportunity to break out.

Before transferring to BYU this season, Chris Brooks was a two-time rushing leader with California. Not missing a beat, he has ended up right where he was with his previous program.

In the case of this matchup with Estime, Brooks is about even with nothing to really separate one from the other. The most interesting part to watch here will be if either running back has a surprise breakout game.

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Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Wisconsin offers a Yale commit in the class of 2022

Wisconsin offers a Yale commit in the class of 2022

Wisconsin’s job isn’t done in the class of 2022 quite yet. First, we’re awaiting a decision from four-star in-state offensive lineman Carson Hinzman. Second, the Badgers are still out looking to bolster their class.

The most recent effort was an offer out to three-star wide receiver Chris Brooks.

Related: Everything you need to know about the 2021 Arizona State Sun Devils

We’ll see if his first Power Five offer is enough to switch his commitment from Yale to Wisconsin.