Raheem Mostert Miami Dolphins supporters are acutely aware of the stakes involved in a potential loss to the Tennessee Titans, particularly regarding their playoff aspirations. The team is already grappling with an unstable quarterback situation, making it crucial for the rest of the offensive lineup to remain healthy and cohesive. Unfortunately, luck has not been on their side at Hard Rock Stadium lately.
Recent reports from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero indicate that veteran running back Raheem Mostert is unlikely to play against the Titans. If his condition continues to decline, this will mark his third consecutive game missed due to a chest injury, a significant setback for the team.
Compounding the issue is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health following a concerning concussion. The implications of his absence extend beyond the field, as the Dolphins now find themselves relying heavily on their remaining playmakers. This reliance is not just on the stars like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, or second-year running back De’Von Achane, but also on the steady presence that Mostert has provided in the offensive scheme orchestrated by head coach Mike McDaniel.
Since joining the Dolphins, Mostert has become a pivotal component of their dynamic offense over the past two seasons. In the 2023-24 season, he led the NFL with an impressive 18 rushing touchdowns and averaged a solid 4.8 yards per carry. Although the team faced criticism for their second-half struggles and an early playoff exit, it’s important to recognize that without Mostert’s substantial contributions, they likely wouldn’t have achieved their highest win total in a season (11 wins) since 2008-09.
However, injuries have been a recurring theme in Mostert’s career. Despite starting 30 games over the past two seasons in Miami, there are growing concerns about his long-term durability. The Dolphins’ hope of leveraging a powerful two-headed running attack may be slipping away this year, leaving them to potentially rely more on players like Jaylen Wright alongside Achane to fill the void left by Mostert.
As the Dolphins prepare for this critical matchup against the Titans, the absence of a player like Mostert could prove detrimental to their game plan. His ability to create balance in the offensive strategy has been invaluable, and his loss will be felt both in the running game and in the overall effectiveness of the team’s play-calling. The Dolphins must find a way to adapt quickly if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive in this crucial moment of the season.