Who Should I Start? Raheem Mostert or Rico Dowdle

Sunday, October 6, 5:03 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert rushed 19 times for 80 yards in Sunday's 15-10 win over the New England Patriots. He added two receptions and 18 yards on two targets. It was the 32-year-old's first action since Week 1, and he appeared to be over the chest injury that kept him out of the prior three contests. It's unclear whether or not the plan was to give Mostert 20+ touches, but after running back De'Von Achane (concussion) was forced from the outing in the first quarter, he split the workload with rookie RB Jaylen Wright. Both backs were productive for the Dolphins, but Mostert was out-rushed by the rookie despite racking up six more carries. With Miami heading into their Week 6 bye, Achane will be afforded a larger window to clear the NFL's concussion protocol and will likely be ready to suit up when the team lines up against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7. Presumably, the former undrafted free agent will split most of the backfield touches with the Texas A&M product in that one. However, Wright may have worked himself into the backfield rotation with his efficient outing.

Tuesday, October 15, 1:17 AM

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy expressed the need for running back Rico Dowdle to get more opportunities, stating, "He definitely needs to touch the ball more, without a doubt." Dowdle had only five carries for 25 yards rushing in Dallas's loss to the Lions. With the team falling behind early, he was more active in the passing game, catching five passes for 30 yards. In contrast, Ezekiel Elliott managed just 17 yards on six carries against Detriot, marking his fourth straight game with six or fewer rushes and failing to reach 20 yards each time. It will be interesting to see if McCarthy follows through on his promise to increase Dowdle's touches, as he appears to be the more explosive option. The Cowboys are on bye this week and will return in Week 8 to face San Francisco on Sunday Night Football.