The Miami Dolphins released their official injury report for Saturday’s playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Dolphins have listed running back Raheem Mostert, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and safeties Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott as questionable for Saturday. Cornerback Xavien Howard has been ruled out.
Miami Dolphins Thursday injury report shows Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, Jevon Holland, DeShon Elliott questionable.
Xavien Howard OUT. pic.twitter.com/n5yhywn16t
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 11, 2024
Losing Howard is a massive blow for a Dolphins defense that is already down several other key players such as Jerome Baker, Andrew Van Ginkel and Bradley Chubb. The Dolphins revealed that Baker, Van Ginkel and Cameron Goode would miss the team’s game on Saturday and are all likely out for the season.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Howard would have given the Dolphins secondary a massive boost against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense. For now, the Dolphins are hoping both Holland and Elliott will be able to suit up, which would provide a nice lift to the team’s defense.
On the bright side, Mostert and Waddle have a chance to play and help bring a spark to Miami’s offense on Saturday.
Mostert, 31, had his best regular season of his NFL career in the 2023 campaign. The veteran running back carried the ball 209 times in 15 games, rushing for 1,012 yards (his first 1,000-yard season of his career) and an NFL-leading 18 rushing touchdowns.
This season, Mostert has formed a dynamic duo with rookie running back De’Von Achane when both players have been healthy. If the Dolphins can lean on the running game on Saturday, the team may have a better chance of beating Kansas City.
While the Chiefs allowed the second fewest points in the NFL this season, the team was vulnerable on the ground, allowing 4.5 yards per carry to opponents in the regular season.
As for Waddle, he is coming off yet another 1,000-yard regular season and having the young wideout in action would take some pressure off of star Tyreek Hill.
Waddle finished the regular season with 1,014 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in 14 games.
It’s unfortunate that Miami has so many key players banged up, but it seems like the team has a chance to see some of them on the field against the Chiefs (outside of Howard).
The Dolphins and Chiefs are scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 13.
