Report: Miami Dolphins running back could miss multiple weeks with sprained MCL

The Miami Dolphins could be without the services of running back Patrick Laird for the next few weeks after he sustained a sprained MCL in Sunday’s win over the New York Giants.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald relayed that Dolphins head coach Brian Flores said Laird is undergoing some medical tests.

“Flores said tests are being run on running back Patrick Laird, who was injured during Sunday’s game,” Jackson wrote. “He reportedly could miss a few weeks with a sprained MCL.”

Laird is in his third season with the Dolphins. In truth, his on-field contributions have been minimal during this year, with just one carry for four yards and three receptions for 17 yards.

The 26-year-old was an undrafted free agent out of the University of California, Berkeley who began his Dolphins tenure in 2019.

During Laird’s rookie campaign, he rushed for 168 yards and one touchdown on 62 carries and also caught 23 passes for 204 yards. Last season, Laird only carried the ball 13 times for 72 yards and added 10 receptions for 68 yards.

While Laird hasn’t been a key contributor to the Dolphins’ offense this season, Flores would prefer him to be as healthy as possible as the Dolphins look to continue their momentum that’s resulted in five straight victories.

That winning surge has wiped away the bitter taste of the Dolphins’ 1-7 start and has them in contention for a possible playoff berth.

The Dolphins’ final two games are a road clash against the 8-4 Tennessee Titans on Jan. 2 and a home contest against the New England Patriots on Jan. 9. However, Miami’s next two matchups are against two struggling teams: the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints.