Mark Walton

Miami Dolphins
Running Back #32
Miami Dolphins
Running Back #32

Mark Walton News

Cleared from November charge

Walton's attorney, Michael Gottlieb, said Wednesday that the state of Florida has dropped the aggravated battery of a pregnant woman charge the running back had been facing following his Nov. 19 arrest, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Before Miami released Walton the same day as the arrest, he had been serving as the Dolphins' top running back until the NFL suspended him for four games Nov. 4 due to a prior violation of the league's conduct and substance abuse policies. Even though Walton is no longer facing charges for the November incident, he was arrested again in February for violating a restraining order. With that in mind, Rapoport notes that the NFL is still reviewing Walton's status, making it uncertain if or when he may be allowed to resume his career.

May 13, 2020 9:15 AM EST


Arrested in Miami on Thursday

Walton has been arrested in Miami for violating a restraining order, Cristina Alexander or WSVN 7 News reports.

Analysis: Walton, who has been arrested five times in the last year, was cut by the Dolphins in November due to a separate incident with the law. The 22-year-old recently concluded a four-games ban for violating the NFL's conduct and substance abuse policy in December, but it now looks possible that another suspension could be in line. Walton's continued legal issues serve to make his chances of earning a chance with a new team increasingly unlikely.

Feb 27, 2020 11:35 AM EST



Suspension over

Walton's four-game suspension for violating the NFL's conduct and substance abuse policy was lifted Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Analysis: This suspension was due to conduct over the summer, but Walton was cut by the Dolphins following a separate incident in November. He likely won't be picked up again this year considering another suspension appears imminent.

Dec 3, 2019 2:25 PM EST


Cut by Miami

The Dolphins waived Walton (suspension) on Tuesday.

Analysis: Walton had missed the Dolphins' previous two contests while serving a four-game suspension due to violations of the NFL's personal conduct and substance abuse policies, which were related to his three arrests during the offseason. According to a press release issued Tuesday by the Dolphins, Walton was recently involved in another "police matter," and his latest brush with the law will end up costing him his job. With Walton no longer in line to rejoin Miami when his suspension lapses in December, Kalen Ballage should gain some security in the lead role, despite his remarkably poor efficiency this season (1.9 yards per carry on 64 attempts).

Nov 19, 2019 8:09 AM EST


No designation for Week 7

Walton (thumb) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Bills, Hal Habib of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Analysis: The thumb issue limited Walton's participation in practice throughout the week, but the Dolphins were seemingly just exercising caution with the second-year back, who took on an enhanced role in the Week 6 loss to the Redskins. Walton played a season-high 32 offensive snaps in the contest, finishing with 32 yards on six carries and another 43 yards on five receptions. At this point, Walton seems to have safely moved ahead of Kalen Ballage in the backfield pecking order, and he could begin to start cutting into Kenyan Drake's workload as well.

Oct 18, 2019 11:45 AM EST



Limited again

Walton (thumb) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: Walton has logged two straight limited practice sessions. He'll have one more opportunity to upgrade to a full practice, but it seems likely that the second-year running back will carry at least a questionable designation into Sunday's tilt against Buffalo. With the Dolphins looking to trade Kenyan Drake, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Walton could have significant opportunity going forward if he's able to continue impressing Miami's coaching staff.

Oct 17, 2019 12:20 PM EST


Limited to start week

Walton (thumb) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Safid Deen of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Walton appears to have picked up a thumb injury during Week 6's loss to Washington. It's encouraging that he wasn't held out of practice entirely, and Walton will have two opportunities to upgrade to a full practice before Sunday's game against Buffalo. The second-year pro logged 11 touches last week en route to compiling a career-high 75 total yards.

Oct 16, 2019 12:26 PM EST


Outgains Drake

Walton gained 32 yards on six carries during Sunday's 17-16 loss to Washington, adding 43 yards on five catches.

Analysis: Walton's 11 touches Sunday were just two fewer than his previous season total. He delivered with the added exposure, picking up gains of at least 10 yards on four touches on this way to 75 total yards, a career high and five better than starter Kenyan Drake. Should Walton continue to get a larger share of carries, he'll face a tough challenge in Week 7 against division rival Buffalo.

Oct 13, 2019 3:55 PM EST


Shakes illness

Walton (illness) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Analysis: Walton practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, and he now appears back to full capacity and ready for Sunday's game against the Redskins. The second-year pro is working his way up Miami's depth chart, having seen increased touches in each game that he's been active, but he hasn't yet carved out a large enough role to be worth fantasy consideration.

Oct 10, 2019 2:02 PM EST


Limited to start week

Walton (illness) was limited in practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Walton's illness doesn't appear to be a long-term issue, and it's encouraging that he wasn't held out of Wednesday's practice entirely. Offensive coordinator Chad O'Shea called Walton "impressive" as both a runner and receiver Monday, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post, which bodes well for the second-year pro's chances of climbing the depth chart. Still, Walton remains off the fantasy radar Week 6 except in deep leagues.

Oct 9, 2019 2:09 PM EST


Receives eight touches

Walton carried six times for 23 yards and caught two passes for an additional 11 yards during Sunday's 30-10 loss to the Chargers.

Analysis: After failing to contribute last week against Dallas, Walton more than doubled his season yardage output as he logged a career-high eight touches. His usage coincided with a decrease in playing time for Kalen Ballage, who has done little with his opportunities this season. Although Walton seems to be working his way up the depth chart, he'll carry little fantasy value into the team's next game Oct. 13 against the Redskins.

Sep 29, 2019 3:11 PM EST


Not used versus Dallas

Walton did not play during Sunday's 31-6 loss to the Cowboys.

Analysis: With both Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage healthy, Walton simply didn't factor into Miami's plans on offense. A scenario in which Walton emerges as a noteworthy fantasy asset in 2019 appears unlikely at this time.

Sep 23, 2019 8:45 AM EST


Three carries in loss

Walton recorded three carries for 16 yards during Sunday's 43-0 loss to the Patriots.

Analysis: Walton also caught one of two targets for 12 yards. The Dolphins suffered a blowout loss for a second consecutive week, forcing the team to focus on downfield throws and abandon the running game early on. Of course, as the No. 3 option behind Kalen Ballage and Kenyan Drake, it's unlikely that Walton will see notable carries even if Miami manages to keep Week 3's contest against the Cowboys more competitive.

Sep 16, 2019 10:53 AM EST


Minimal involvement

Walton logged one carry for one yard during Sunday's 59-10 loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Sunday's game against Baltimore quickly became out of hand - the Ravens led 42-10 at halftime - forcing the Dolphins to abandon the run in favor of heavy passing attempts. In any case, Walton isn't bound for much opportunity behind Kalen Ballage and Kenyan Drake, both of whom dominated touches at the running back position without compiling much production. As the No.3 option in a low-upside offense, Walton doesn't warrant consideration in most fantasy formats.

Sep 9, 2019 2:50 PM EST


Leads Miami in rushing

Walton carried the ball 12 times for 52 yards while catching his only target for six yards in Thursday's preseason win over the Saints.

Analysis: With Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage both getting the night off, Walton started at running back in the preseason finale and led Miami in rushing, although Myles Gaskin (6.0 YPC) was more efficient on fewer totes. The duo remain the prime candidates for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart, and while Walton appears to have the edge, the possibility of a suspension from the league as a result of multiple offseason arrests could render the battle moot.

Aug 29, 2019 8:31 PM EST


Finds paydirt against Jaguars

Walton had six carries for three yards during Thursday's preseason win over Jacksonville, in addition to four catches for 20 yards and a touchdown.

Analysis: With Kenyan Drake (foot) sidelined, Walton saw work with the starters behind Kalen Ballage and made the most of his opportunity. The second-year pro brought in all four of his targets, and looks to have improved his chances of making the 53-man roster and locking up the No. 3 tailback job in Miami. It remains to be seen whether Walton will be suspended by the NFL due to his three 2019 arrests, in which case his chances at securing the reserve gig behind Ballage and Drake could be diminished.

Aug 23, 2019 10:51 AM EST


Avoids jail time

Walton won't serve any jail time for his three 2019 arrests, but he may be suspended by the NFL, Charles Trainor of The Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: The possibility of a suspension could impact Walton's bid for the No. 3 job in the Miami backfield. He actually got the start in Friday's preseason game against Tampa Bay, with Kenyan Drake (foot) unavailable and Kalen Ballage held out as a precaution. Any NFL discipline for Walton could helps the roster odds for Myles Gaskin, Patrick Laird or Kenneth Farrow.

Aug 19, 2019 12:26 PM EST


Scores in preseason opener

Walton rushed six times for 12 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's preseason game against the Falcons.

Analysis: Walton saw work after starters Kalen Ballage and Kenyan Drake left the field, lending reinforced credence to his apparent position as the team's No. 3 running back. The second-year pro and Miami product found the end zone on a two-yard run, and is making an argument for a depth spot on the 53-man roster.

Aug 9, 2019 12:14 PM EST


Serving as No. 3 RB

Walton is locked in as the Dolphins' third-string running back, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Analysis: Walton signed with the Dolphins in May after being waived by the Bengals in the wake of multiple arrests, and he appears to be on track to secure a roster spot. Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage are the clear top-two backfield options in Miami, which likely leaves a limited role for Walton, assuming he maintains his current standing on the depth chart.

Aug 5, 2019 9:18 AM EST


Signing with Dolphins

Walton signed a contract with the Dolphins on Sunday.

Analysis: Walton was waived by Cincinnati on April 6 after being arrested a few days earlier for the third time this year -- including felony charges of carrying a concealed weapon, marijuana possession and reckless driving all stemming from an incident near Miami on March 12. The Miami product will join a crowded backfield, already populated by Kenyan Drake, Kalen Ballage, Myles Gaskin and Kenneth Farrow. Walton saw an extremely limited role with the Bengals last season, logging just 75 scrimmage yards off 19 touches over 14 games.

May 12, 2019 10:10 AM EST


News powered by