The biggest injury news out of Sunday’s Patriots-Dolphins contest was on New England’s sideline, as QB Jimmy Garoppolo was forced out with a shoulder injury. But the Dolphins suffered a big injury blow as well, as Arian Foster was forced out of action in the first quarter with a groin injury. Foster didn’t practice in the week leading up to the game, and could miss time if the muscle injury lingers.
Gase on Arian Foster: Day-to-day at this time.
Foster’s backup is projected to be Jay Ajayi, but the second year back hasn’t inspire much confidence in head coach Adam Gase. Ajayi struggled for touches in the preseason, and had a critical fumble in the third quarter of the Dolphins’ comeback attempt. Gase called it a “Critical turnover” after the game and added, “We can’t have that.”
The Alabama product hasn’t gotten much action since being drafted in the third round of the 2016 draft by the Dolphins. But Drake has been used to being the backup throughout his college career. He started backing up Eddie Lacy, then split time with T.J. Yeldon, and finished backing up Derrick Henry during his Heisman-winning senior season.
Despite a few injuries in college, Drake was consistent in his backup role. He finished his college career with a 6.4 average on 233 carries. He ended his time at Alabama by returning a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in the 2016 National Championship against Clemson.
Drake got his first serious run as an NFL running back in the fourth quarter against the Patriots, and wasn’t terrible in limited action. He carried twice for 12 yards, and caught two passes for an extra six yards.
Here’s Drake scoring his first NFL touchdown:
Kenyan Drake finds the endzone!! t.co/aibV6j44UR
With the amount of running backs suffering injuries in Week 2, Kenyan Drake could be the breakout player still available on the waiver wire. He’s owned in just 1.5% of ESPN leagues, but that number should grow as more running backs go down in the coming weeks.
Also, Miami is hosting Cleveland next Sunday. So if Drake was going to take the job, Week 3 would be a great time to do it.