JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 24: Myles Gaskin #37 of the Miami Dolphins runs for yardage during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 24, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Just ahead of their heavyweight matchup against the Chiefs, the Dolphins will be without their running back.
Myles Gaskin’s had a production season, proving himself to be a capable No. 1 running back in South Beach at the same time. Gaskin 477 rushing yardage total is a little misleading, as he’s really come on in recent weeks. In their Week 13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Gaskin had 90 yards of 21 carries.
Gaskin’s positive COVID-19 test will force him out at least this week, and possibly more. The Dolphins are now without their top three running backs against the Chiefs, as Matt Breida is on the COVID-19 list and Salvon Ahmed has a shoulder injury.
Who will Miami turn to in the run game?
Listen up, fantasy football owners: In place of Gaskin, the Dolphins are expected to turn to DeAndre Washington, Patrick Laird and Elijah McGuire. Without any of their usual backfield suspects, the Dolphins are placing even more pressure on Tua Tagovailoa’s shoulders against one of the best teams in football. He’ll have to go toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes in just his sixth career start.
Along with Tagovailoa, the Dolphins defense will be forced to control the field position battle, and keep Mahomes out of the end zone as much as possible. While Miami’s defense is capable, the Chiefs are the most explosive offense in football for a reason.
All in all, the lack of a consistent rushing attack puts the Dolphins at a significant disadvantage agains the Chiefs. The likes of Washington, Laird an McGuire must pick up some the slack to keep Mahomes off the field.