MIAMI GARDENS — Help is on the way.
Dolphins running backs Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed, who were on the NFL’s COVID-19 list, have been cleared to return to practice and may play Sunday against the Jets.
“We’ve got more guys available now,” Dolphins coach Brian Flores said Friday.
Miami has also made veteran running back Malcolm Brown eligible to return from an injured reserve stint due to a quadriceps injury.
“He’s done some good things,” Flores said of Brown.
The Dolphins are 31st in the NFL in rushing offense. But the Jets present an opportunity on the ground, as they rank 29th in rushing defense.
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Miami also has veteran running back Duke Johnson, the former University of Miami standout, available. Johnson would seem particularly likely to play if the Dolphins felt he was a better option than Ahmed or Brown in this matchup.
Gaskin is one of the most important members of the Dolphins’ offense, as a rusher and receiver. In fact, Gaskin leads Miami with 199 touches. The next closest Dolphin is receiver Jaylen Waddle, with 88. Ahmed is third with 66.
The Dolphins do seem likely to go without Waddle, who was on track to break the NFL’s record for catches by a rookie.
“Next man up,” Flores said. “It’s not a one-man team. There are 11 guys. We need contributions from everyone. That’s how you have success.”
Veterans Isaiah Ford and Albert Wilson are each options to play some in the slot. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa figures to lean heavily on receiver DeVante Parker and tight end Mike Gesicki.
Receivers Ford and Mack Hollins actually lead the Dolphins in yards per touch.
Starting left guard Austin Jackson was limited on Thursday due to an illness but was suited up for practice. So too were safety Clayton Fejedelem (ankle), safety Brandon Jones (ankle/elbow), tight end Hunter Long (illness) and tight end Adam Shaheen (knee).
The Dolphins are preparing to go without standout rookie free safety Jevon Holland, who is on the COVID-19 list. Eric Rowe and Brandon Jones are a capable starting duo.
Former Miami standout safety Sheldrick Redwine has been elevated to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement for Holland.
Flores said the entire league is dealing with COVID-19 in some capacity.
“We have to compartmentalize,” Flores said. “We have to focus on the task at hand.”
In an unrelated note, the Dolphins added cornerback Damon Arnette to the practice squad this week. The 19th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, by the Raiders, he was let go following numerous off-field incidents.
Flores said general manger Chris Grier and his staff “did a lot of background work on him” and felt good about bringing Arnette in for a look.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed return from COVID-19 for Miami Dolphins