Mike McDaniel applauds Miami’s running back room for saving the Dolphins in Week 5

The Miami Dolphins picked up a massive win over the New England Patriots in Week 5, riding their running game to get there.

Even though star running back De’Von Achane left Sunday’s game with a concussion, Raheem Mostert, Jaylen Wright and Alec Ingold stepped up to fill the void.

The trio played so well that Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel showered them with praise after Sunday’s win.

“The running back room was ready to put the team on their back, so to speak,” McDaniel said. “I think having Raheem back was awesome.”

Mostert returned to the Dolphins for the first time since Week 1 after dealing with a chest injury. In Week 1, the veteran running back was held to just nine rushing yards on six carries, but he put together a much better game against New England.

On Sunday, Mostert carried the ball 19 times for 80 yards (4.2 yards per carry). He didn’t find the end zone, but he stepped in as the primary runner in Miami’s offense, playing 44 snaps.

Wright, a rookie, saw an expanded role with Achane going down, appearing in 25 snaps for the Dolphins in Week 5. He ended up leading the team in rushing, carrying the ball 13 times for 86 yards (6.6 yards per carry).

Ingold was the final piece of the puzzle in the Dolphins backfield, punching in the game-winning touchdown from three yards out in the fourth quarter. The trio did a great job replacing Achane, rushing for 169 yards and a score on 33 carries.

Miami is now 2-3 on the season despite star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing the last three games with a concussion. Tagovailoa, who is on injured reserve, isn’t eligible to return until Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Tyler Huntley made his second start for the Dolphins in Week 5, throwing for 194 yards and one interception. Even though Huntley played decently, the Dolphins clearly need their running game to keep them afloat offensively until Tagovailoa returns.

With Miami entering its bye week, McDaniel and the rest of the team are certainly hoping that Achane will be able to go in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts to provide yet another dynamic to the running game.