Miami Dolphins: 3 running back options for Mike McDaniel’s offense

Phillip Lindsay/Duke Johnson

With a new offensive regime in place, it is more likely that some of the players we grew to love last season won’t be back in 2022.

McDaniel has yet to assemble his entire staff, and there is plenty of player movement to be made between now and roster finalization. That will leave us speculating about what he thinks about the likes of Mike Gesicki, DeVante Parker, and Jesse Davis, as well as much of the running back room. Two players that Miami signed late in the 2021 season were Duke Johnson and Phillip Linsday, both of whom made a positive impact on what was a previously anemic running game.

The fan adoration for Johnson is understandable, given that he is a local product through and through. He also had the only two 100+ yard rushing games that the Dolphins had all year, and did it with just three games of 10+ touches. But it is doubtful that there will be room on the active roster for an aging running back whose most athletic and agile days are behind him. But it wouldn’t hurt to have a bruiser on the practice squad again, just in case.

Lindsay would be a good depth signing. He won’t be the featured back in any McDaniel-led attack, but his downhill running combined with his prowess in pass protection would make him an option on 3rd downs and other passing situations.