By the second week of NFL preseason, fanbases and fantasy owners usually have a bit of a handle on depth charts and expected starters as Week 1 inches closer. But, this is not the case for the Dolphins’ running back room.
Adding former Rams RB Malcolm Brown to a duo of intriguing young bucks, Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed, cast a fair amount of uncertainty around the preseason workload, but the emergence of a lead back is to be expected at this point of the preseason.
After preseason Week 1, ‘Fins head coach Brian Flores outlined his backfield plan.
“We are going to use them situationally as best fits their skill set and what’s best for the team,” Flores said.
The head coach also pointed out that each of the three backs can play on any down, but noted Brown’s physique (5-foot-11, 225 lbs) is suited best near the goal line. This line of thinking has been challenged by some, however:
myles gaskin (9) had more carries than malcolm brown (7) within five yards of the goal line last season
… in six less games
— corey spala (@coreyspala) August 23, 2021
After playing second-fiddle to Brown in Preseason Week 1, Gaskin was on the field for the first 11-of-12 first-team snaps, touched the ball nine times, and capped an impressive drive with a touchdown. On the other hand, Brown saw one snap, blew a blocking assignment, and didn’t see the field again until the following drive.
Brown and Gaskin ultimately finished with 10 touches a piece — Brown with 10 carries for 43 yards and a score, while Gaskin had six carries for 27 yards and four receptions for 44 yards and two total touchdowns.
Gaskin also led the running back trio in snaps. Still, he only secured 19-of-37 first-team plays and only out-snapped Ahmed by six. After Preseason Week 2, Gaskin seems to have the slightest edge on the depth chart, but it’s by no means a stranglehold.
We outlined the potential shakeup in the Miami backfield after their first preseason game, but tides may have turned again. Our updated 2021 Big Board ranks Gaskin RB30, down five spots vs ECR. Brown comes in as RB60 and is currently available in 91.2 percent of ESPN leagues.
This is the chance to buy-low on Myles Gaskin after last week’s dip.
