Knowshon Moreno‘s first season with the Dolphins has come to an early end, with the team announcing today that the running back has been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to an ACL injury (Twitter link). The move clears room for defensive lineman Derrick Shelby, whose reinstatement was reported yesterday and officially confirmed by the Dolphins today (Twitter link).
Moreno, 27, suffered an elbow injury early in the season which sidelined him for several weeks before he returned to the field this past Sunday against the Packers. However, he didn’t stay healthy for long, and his latest issue will mean he appears in just three games during the 2014 season, including two that he left early due to injuries. Lamar Miller will continue to act as Miami’s primary back, while Daniel Thomas figures to see occasional carries as well.
When Moreno signed with the Dolphins back in March, he agreed to a one-year deal, so it’s possible this is the last we’ve seen of him in a Miami uniform. Given the typical recovery timetable for a torn ACL, Moreno figures to still be recovering when 2015 free agency opens in March, so the former first-round pick may be hard-pressed to find a new home immediately, though he may come at a bargain price later in the offseason.