The Miami Dolphins are a team searching for positive momentum to finish out the year. With the playoffs out of the picture, the Dolphins simply need to end on a high note before undergoing plenty of changes in the offseason. With a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on the horizon, the Dolphins need their offense to get into gear which could be difficult as injuries hit the lineup.
According to NFL Networkd's Rand Getlin, Rishard Matthews suffered multiple fractured ribs in a controversial hit against the New York Jets. The wide receiver went down on a hit from Calvin Pryor and was forced to leave the game and not return. Now, Getlin is reporting there is no timetable for Matthews' return which makes his Week 13 status up in the air. That could be big for the Dolphins as Matthews has developed into one of their top playmakers in a breakout season. With 662 yards and four touchdowns on the year, Matthews absence would be felt big time.
If the receiver is unable to play in Week 13, DeVante Parker will need to step up once gain. The receiver had a season-high day in Week 12 and that momentum could carry over against the Ravens. Kenny Stills also got in more work with 10 targets against the Jets. However, he only caught two of those which must change in the coming game. According to head coach Dan Campbell, Matthews tied to return against the Jets, but his injuries were too severe. Currently playing in a contract year, that type of attitude can be expected heading into Week 13.
The biggest need for Miami is consistency in the run game. After a few breakout games, both Lamar Miller and Jay Ajayi have been disappointing recently which is stalling the offense and hurting Ryan Tannehill. Ajayi led the team in rushing against the Jets with just six yards on the ground. That is not ideal in an offense that was supposed to be focused more on the run game. Ajayi is the clear favorite at this point to handle the ground work which could be a major factor in offseason changes.
"We feel like we've got two backs that are a little bit unique, a little bit different, but complement each other well," Campbell said, via FOXSports.com. "You've got somebody who is a little bit better in space (Miller), can hit the holes and take it the distance. We feel like we have that back who will put his foot in the ground and go downhill (Ajayi). We're happy with both of them."
Miller is approaching free agency and if Ajayi can show improvement the running back could be out in 2016. With just 567 yards and five touchdowns on the season, Miller has not been the running back the team has needed. He has failed to prove he can be the workhorse back and the Dolphins might opt to not retain in order to not overpay in the run game. With changes needed elsewhere, the addition of Ajayi might force the exit of Miller.
