Cracraft’s injury could put No. 3 WR role up in the air; plus who sat out second preseason game

With his play in this preseason game, River Cracraft looked set to be the No. 3 receiver to start the season for the Dolphins, especially with Odell Beckham Jr. expected to be on the PUP list for extended time. The 29-year old Cracraft played at Washington State under Mike Leach for four years before going undrafted in the 2017 NFL draft.

After spending his early NFL years in Denver and San Francisco, where he was mostly a practice squad player, Cracraft signed with Miami in 2022. He was elevated to the active roster that season, but was still in a precarious spot given his small playing time. But after catching 13-yard fade route for a touchdown on the first possession, Cracraft’s role appeared solidified.

That was until the 29-year old got injured later in the game and did not return to action. His status is unknown at this time, but if Cracraft has to miss an extended period, then Erik Ezukanma, Malik Washington or Braxton Berrios will need to step into the third receiver role.

WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUT

The Miami Dolphins played the second preseason game of 2024 with many of the healthy starters on the field for a series or three, but one promising rookie sat out tonight’s exhibition game against the Washington Commanders.

Tailback Jaylen Wright, who gained 55 rushing yards and scored a touchdown on his 10 carries against the Atlanta Falcons last week, sat out Saturday night’s preseason game.

Considering Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, the Dolphins’ front line tailbacks, are playing against the Commanders, Wright’s absence probably has to do with a nagging injury he suffered during practice this week.

The Dolphins 2024 fourth-round pick is clearly making Miami’s 53-man roster, so this probably has more to making sure a lingering issue doesn’t get worse.

The Dolphins took the same precautionary approach with pass rusher Chop Robinson, the team’s 2024 first-round pick, in last week’s game against the Falcons. Robinson will make his preseason debut tonight against the Commanders.

Along with Wright, Jeff Wilson and Salvon Ahmed are the tailbacks being held out of tonight’s game. Wilson seemingly broke his nose last week against the Falcons, and Ahmed is nursing a foot injury that had him placed in a boot two weeks ago. He practiced this week, but was on a limited snap count.

Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle aren’t participating in the second preseason game, and it’s doubtful they’ll play at all this preseason.

Because Tagovailoa played against the Commanders, the Dolphins starting offensive line, minus Terron Armstead, was on the field with Miami’s franchise quarterback.

THIS AND THAT

▪ Chris Brooks, the last running back on the depth chart, had an impressive 59-yard run at the beginning of the third quarter. But Brooks’ grand moment came to a halt when he got injured on the next play and did not return to the game. His status remains unknown, and the injury could ultimately seal his fate of missing out on the 53-man roster. Brooks ran for 106 yards on 19 carries and played in nine games during his rookie season.

▪ David Long appeared to injure his wrist on the Commanders second drive and exited the game.

▪ Toward the end of the first half, Nik Needham started taking snaps at safety. Needham has been cross-training at nickel and safety in fall camp.

▪ Second-round pick Patrick Paul has been playing well throughout training camp and the preseason. However, he was beat badly in the third quarter when he allowed former first-round pick Jamin Davis to juke him out and force Mike White to fumble the ball. While the play may cause concern for some Dolphins fans, Paul is still a rookie and learning how outside linebackers and defensive ends will attack him.

▪ Cam Smith started the game and struggled in coverage against Terry McLaurin, who caught two passes with him in coverage. On the second, McLauren caught a screen and spun away from Smith to pick up 20 yards. Smith left the game in the fourth quarter, holding the back of his right leg.

▪ Braylon Sanders limped off the field and went to the locker room during the fourth quarter.