Not many practice squad updates the day before the first NFL Sunday of the 2023 season:
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: RB Myles Gaskin
- Released: WR Lucky Jackson
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: DE Austin Bryant
- Released: K Matthew Wright
Here are some minor transactions for today from around the league:
Atlanta Falcons
- Released from IR with injury settlement: CB Cornell Armstrong
Carolina Panthers
- Signed to active roster: LB Chandler Wooten
Indianapolis Colts
- Waived from IR with injury settlement: OLB JoJo Domann
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Released from IR with injury settlement: T Josh Wells
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived from IR with injury settlement: CB Shaun Jolly
Minnesota Vikings
- Released: RB Myles Gaskin
New England Patriots
- Released from IR with injury settlement: T Conor McDermott
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: DE Austin Bryant
Washington Commanders
- Signed: DE William Bradley-King
- Placed on IR: WR Dax Milne
The releases of Armstrong and Wells are interesting. Armstrong ended last year as a starting cornerback for the Falcons but will now have to continue striving to stay in the NFL. Wells’ release ends a short reunion with the team that drafted him.
Gaskin is reportedly expected to remain in Minnesota and sign to the team’s practice squad to be elevated on Sunday. This is likely a familiar tactic teams use in order to avoid guaranteeing the full value of low-cost veterans’ salaries. Those on the 53-man roster for Week 1 will be guaranteed, while players signed to the active roster after this week will only be guaranteed 35 percent.
Bryant’s short tenure in San Francisco ends as the team makes room for Nick Bosa, who will be activated from the reserve/did not report list after signing his five-year, $170MM extension.
Milne’s move to IR could be an explanation for why the Commanders felt the need to go out and acquire Jamison Crowder following his release from New York.
Joining Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert in re-signing with the Dolphins, Myles Gaskin became the odd man out. Given the lack of guarantees in his contract, this was a predictable development. But Gaskin will have another chance soon.
The Vikings are expected to sign the veteran running back to their 53-man roster, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. This will reunite Gaskin with ex-Dolphins HC Brian Flores, who became the Vikes’ defensive coordinator this offseason.
Minnesota completed a drawn-out separation with Dalvin Cook, and while the Dolphins initially loomed as the most likely suitor, they stood down. Miami still kept other backs (Wilson, Mostert, Salvon Ahmed, third-rounder Devon Achane, UDFA Chris Brooks) over Gaskin, who played with the team for four seasons. Cook’s Minnesota exit leaves Alexander Mattison atop the NFC North club’s RB depth chart. Gaskin will make his case to be a contributor on a second NFL team.
Rather than create a roster spot with a post-cutdown-day IR move, which will be a common transaction today, the Vikings are waiving Jalen Reagor. The former first-round pick will be off Minnesota’s roster Wednesday, Schefter adds. The Vikings acquired Reagor via trade last year, picking him up from the Eagles on the day after setting their initial 2022 53-man roster. But the player Philly chose ahead of Justin Jefferson will not play a second season in Minnesota’s Jefferson-fronted receiving corps.
Reagor trade rumors re-emerged Tuesday, but no deal transpired. Rather than the Vikings convincing a team to take on Reagor’s $2.42MM fully guaranteed salary, the team will be hit with dead money. Offset language being present in the deal, however, will help the Vikings in the event Reagor signs elsewhere, per the Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Ben Goessling.
After washing out with the Eagles, Reagor did not make a notable impact with the Vikings. The TCU alum caught eight passes for 104 yards while serving as a regular punt returner with his second NFL team. Claiming Reagor would mean another club would be responsible for that $2.42MM; a free agency stay seems likelier to take place for the 2020 No. 21 overall pick.
The Vikings kept six wideouts Tuesday, with 2022 sixth-rounder Jalen Nailor and return man Brandon Powell joining starters Jefferson, K.J. Osborn and Jordan Addison. Powell returned both punts and kicks for the Rams last season and will be the logical Reagor replacement as the Vikes’ punt returner.
Gaskin joins Ty Chandler and kick returner Kene Nwangwu behind Mattison on Minnesota’s running back depth chart. Mattison’s two incumbent backups have not gained much experience on offense, with the Cook-Mattison hierarchy in place from 2019-22. Minnesota is believed to view Mattison as a capable three-down back, but with the recently re-signed backup not having performed in this role before, RB depth behind him is a bit more important for the team compared to previous years.
The Dolphins used Gaskin as a backfield regular in 2020 and ’21. Under Flores, the former seventh-round pick 1,196 rushing yards in those seasons; he topped out at 4.1 yards per carry (in 2021) during that span. Under Mike McDaniel last season, Gaskin played in only four games and worked as a seldom-used backup. The Dolphins placed Gaskin on IR in December, after they had acquired Wilson via trade.
The Dolphins have been connected to a number of running back additions this offseason, but they are beginning the deadline for roster cutdowns with a subtraction at the position. Myles Gaskin is being released, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 
Miami has been pegged as a landing spot for a number of high-profile backs in recent months, but the team retained its backfield options during free agency. That process included re-signing Gaskin on a veteran minimum deal in March. The pact included no guaranteed money, so his roster security was a talking point through training camp and the preseason. The Dolphins will save just over $975K in cap space with this move.
Gaskin joined the Dolphins as a seventh-round pick in 2019. He saw limited action as a rookie, but took on a much larger role the following year with 183 total touches. His production in the passing game (388 receiving yards) led to increased expectations for future seasons, but that has not materialized as hoped. The 26-year-old averaged just 3.5 yards per carry while working as the starter for much of 2021, and that figure fell to 2.6 in limited action last year.
If Gaskin has made the Dolphins’ 53-man roster, he thus would have done so in a depth capacity behind the likes of Jeff Wilson, Raheem Mostert and third-round rookie Devon Achane. Salvon Ahmed, like Gaskin, has frequently been mentioned as a trade or cut candidate during the offseason. Today’s news could help his chances of remaining with the team, although it would be somewhat surprising if the Dolphins elected to keep four running backs on the active roster to start the season.
The Dolphins did not work out a trade or free agent deal for Dalvin Cook, but they are the suitor most frequently mentioned as a destination for Jonathan Taylor if the Colts elect to trade the former rushing champion. Nothing is imminent on that front as talks continue, but for now Miami’s backfield situation is a bit clearer.
In most cases, the Dolphins aren’t utilizing camp position battles to determine starting roles. But as the deadline to cut the roster down to 53 players draws nearer and nearer, decisions have to be made throughout the roster. Here’s a look at who’s battling for a roster spot as the preseason continues, thanks to some helpful analysis from Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:
- At quarterback, the starter is set, but the backup job may be closer than you’d think. Miami signed quarterback Mike White in the first hour of free agency, making it seem like they were dead set on him taking over at QB2. Last year’s backup, Skylar Thompson, doesn’t seem willing to go down without a fight, though, making the battle more competitive than some would assume. White is the presumed winner of this position battle, but if Thompson has a stellar preseason, he has a chance to surprise.
- After failing to sign free agent running back Dalvin Cook, the room is shaping up to hold Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, and third-round rookie De’Von Achane, at the very least. If the team is going to open up a fourth roster spot for the position, it’s likely that one of Myles Gaskin or Salvon Ahmed will fill the role while the other will be on the chopping block, if not both. The Dolphins will have to determine if a fourth running back will help the team, and if not, Gaskin or Ahmed’s time in South Beach may be over.
- Behind the team’s top two wideouts, there are a number of options to plug in. According to Jackson, AFC East mainstay Braxton Berrios seems to be taking direction from wide receivers coach Wes Welker well, giving him an edge on the depth chart. He’s competing with Cedrick Wilson, Erik Ezukanma, and Chosen Anderson for the WR3 role, and seems to have a handle on it. Anderson has been making up for a slow start to camp lately but may need to compete with River Cracraft if the team only decides to keep six wide receivers.
- At tight end, the battle for the third tight spot poses the most intrigue, assuming the team only takes three tight ends. The starter, Durham Smythe, and the rookie, Elijah Higgins, are likely to make the roster, leaving backups Eric Saubert and Tyler Kroft fighting for what is likely going to be the final roster spot at the position. Neither is much of a factor in the passing game, so whoever shows the best blocking ability throughout the rest of camp may be rewarded the short-term job security.
- The biggest battle on the line is the battle for the starting left guard spot. Liam Eichenberg and Isaiah Wynn appear to be in a dead heat for the job, according to Jackson. Wynn has more NFL starting experience, but Eichenberg is more familiar with the franchise. Aside from that, the other big battle is for the swing tackle role. Veteran and former starter Kendall Lamm reportedly has established a lead over Cedric Ogbuehi for the job. Seventh-round rookie Ryan Hayes could also contribute to the team depth at the position if he makes the roster.
The Dolphins are bringing back their entire RB depth chart. After re-signing Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, the team has now re-signed running back Myles Gaskin, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). It’s a one-year deal.
Gaskin, a former seventh-round pick, has been given a handful of opportunities to seize the starting gig. He started 17 games for Miami between 2020 and 2021, but he only averaged 3.8 yards on his 315 rushing attempts. He did show some pass-catching ability during those two campaigns, hauling in 90 total receptions.
Despite an uncertain depth chart that also included Chase Edmonds at one point, Gaskin barely saw any time with a new coaching staff in place in 2022. He ultimately finished the season having appeared in four games, compiling 14 touches for 54 yards from scrimmage.
Mostert and Wilson will continue to lead the depth chart in 2023, but the duo has struggled to stay healthy in the past. Gaskin could see some competition for that RB3 spot from Salvon Ahmed, who has collected 532 rushing yards on 141 carries over the past three seasons.
The Dolphins made a pair of injured reserve transactions today, according to the team’s official Twitter account, activating former starting left guard Liam Eichenberg while placing running back Myles Gaskin on IR. A year ago, both of these transactions would have appeared to be major, but at this point in the season, the moves may only affect Miami’s depth heading into a possible postseason run. 
Despite being selected early in the second round of the 2021 draft, Eichenberg has not seen the success of his early-round teammates drafted before him, starters wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips, and safety Jevon Holland. Eichenberg became an immediate starter as a second-round rookie last season, starting 16 of 17 games at left tackle for Miami. The adjustment from Notre Dame to the NFL proved difficult for Eichenberg, who would grade out as the fourth-worst tackle in the league that year, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Miami tried to help Eichenberg out during his sophomore season, signing veteran Saints tackle Terron Armstead to a five-year deal and moving Eichenberg inside to left guard. While Eichenberg is no longer ranked at the very bottom of his position group (currently graded out as the 73rd-best guard out of 83), his PFF offensive grade has gotten worse since moving inside to guard. Eichenberg’s struggles came to a point when a knee injury in a Week 8 win over the Lions would land him on IR. Eichenberg’s knee injury was initially feared to be a season-ending MCL sprain, but further testing showed the potential for his return and, after proving fully healed, Eichenberg was designated for return on December 7, making tomorrow the last possible day for Miami to activate him before forcing him to sit out for the remainder of the season on IR.
In Eichenberg’s absence, the Dolphins started a second-year undrafted guard out of Middle Tennessee State, Robert Jones. Eichenberg’s return does not necessarily indicate a return to his starting role. The Dolphins may choose to go that route, but Jones has performed well in his seven starts in place of Eichenberg, even outperforming Eichenberg in the eyes of PFF. Jones currently grades out as the 39th-best guard in the NFL this season with grades far above Eichenberg’s. Head coach Mike McDaniel may choose to give Eichenberg a chance to earn his job back, or he may stick with what’s been working and count on Eichenberg as a depth piece as they push for a wild card spot in the playoffs.
Gaskin has taken quite a fall from grace after performing as Miami’s top running back for the past two seasons before 2022. It was assumed that Gaskin’s role would diminish when the team acquired running back Raheem Mostert in free agency back in March. What wasn’t expected was that college and professional teammate Salvon Ahmed would move ahead of Gaskin on the depth chart, playing in six more games than Gaskin. When Jeff Wilson was traded to Miami back in November, Gaskin became a depth piece in the running backs room.
It’s unclear exactly the reason that Gaskin is being placed on IR. Some reports claimed he missed last weekend’s game because of a knee injury, despite not appearing on the injury report, while other sources reported it was due to illness. Regardless, Gaskin will miss the remainder of the regular season, and since his team has five activations remaining, if his team can make it to the AFC championship, he will be eligible to return. Otherwise, Gaskin’s 2022 season has come to an end.
The Dolphins completely revamped their running backs depth chart this offseason, and that will naturally lead to some tough decisions when it comes to roster cuts. While we don’t have full clarity yet on how the RB room will shake out, we can pretty confidently say that at least two offseason acquisitions will make the roster. Chase Edmonds earned the biggest contract of the bunch, and he’s expected to carry over his versatile, pass-catching role from Arizona to Miami. Meanwhile, while Raheem Mostert has struggled to stay healthy recently, his familiarity with Mike McDaniel‘s system makes him a lock to make the squad.
That leaves only a handful of spots for more than a handful of RBs. As Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald recently wrote, the team could end up opting for cheaper options as they look to fill in the depth chart behind Edmonds and Mostert. That means one or both of Sony Michel and Myles Gaskin could earn their walking papers before the season begins.
Michel was the Dolphins’ third notable running back signing. Following a disappointing final season in New England, the former first-round pick bounced back in 2021 with the Rams. He ended up starting seven of his 17 games, collecting 973 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 229 touches. The veteran also has extensive postseason experience, having earned rings with the Patriots and the Rams (including a 2018 playoff run when he had six touchdowns). The thing is, Michel is due $2.1MM next season, with only $500K guaranteed. It’s a drop in the bucket when it comes to the whole roster, but it’s still a lofty salary for what could ultimately be a third running back.
Meanwhile, Gaskin is the primary holdover from last year’s squad. Over the past two seasons, Gaskin has collected 1,818 yards from scrimmage in 27 games (17 starts). He’s also shown that he can be productive in the passing game, hauling in 90 receptions over that same span. However, similar to Michel, Gaskin is probably making too much for an end-of-the-depth-chart RB. The 25-year-old is set to make $2.5MM next season, but the team could recoup all of that money if they let him go.
If a spot does open on the depth chart, it seems like Salvon Ahmed would likely earn the gig. Ahmed actually had a stint on McDaniel’s squad in 2020 before joining Miami. The former undrafted free agent has gotten into 18 games for the Dolphins over the past two years, collecting 646 yards on offense. The Dolphins’ other RB options, including Zaquandre White and Gerrid Doaks, profile more as practice squad players, which probably bodes well for one of Michel or Gaskin to make the 53-man roster.
For what it’s worth, Gaskin leads the Dolphins in carries this offseason, while Michel has contributed -2 rushing yards on four touches. The coaching staff will use the next week to determine how to proceed, but if preseason has been any indication, it seems like Michel may be the odd man out.
Ahead of their game against the Jets on Sunday, the Dolphins will have two of their top three running backs available. Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed have been activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
The move makes both players eligible to play against the Jets; Jackson adds that, “at least one, if not both, likely would play on Sunday”. Miami’s other options at the position include veterans Malcom Brown and Duke Johnson, as recent acquisition Phillip Lindsay remains in isolation due to COVID-19 protocol.
Gaskin has been the lead back for the Dolphins this season, posting 526 yards and three touchdowns on 154 carries, adding 45 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns in the passing game. The 24-year-old’s 3.4 yards per carry have left the Dolphins wanting more from the ground game, though, leading to moves such as claiming Lindsay in November. Ahmed, meanwhile, has chipped in 266 total scrimmage yards in his second season in Miami.
Their return would be welcome against the Jets in particular, as New York has allowed just under 139 yards per game on the ground. That, coupled with the upcoming absence of standout rookie wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, should lend itself to plenty of rushing opportunities on Sunday.
Dolphins running back Phillip Lindsay has tested positive for COVID-19 (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). That completes an unfortunate hat trick for Miami as all three of their running backs — Lindsay, Myles Gaskin, and Salvon Ahmed — have tested positive in advance of Sunday’s game against the Jets. 
All three players are vaccinated, according to Pelissero, giving them a chance to suit up on Sunday pending additional tests. If they’re unable to play, the Dolphins will likely turn to practice squad RBs Duke Johnson and Gerrid Doaks.
The Dolphins are still fighting for a playoff berth, albeit with slim odds. Stationed at 6-7, the Dolphins currently have a 10% chance at sneaking into a Wild Card spot, according to the stats at Five Thirty Eight. A win over the Jets would keep the ‘Fins afloat — a loss would effectively rule them out of the postseason.
Lindsay, 27, hooked on with the Dolphins earlier this month after being released by the Texans. In his Week 12 debut against the Panthers, the veteran ran for 42 yards off of 12 carries. Gaskin finished with more yards in a less efficient performance — 49 yards off of 16 totes.