Ballage could see more carries after Gore, Drake suffer ankle injuries

MINNEAPOLIS — For the second week in a row, the Miami Dolphins unleashed a running back in their offense that produced a game-changing play.

Unfortunately for Miami this week, it came during a blowout defeat.

Rookie running back Kalen Ballage made the most of his opportunity, finishing with 123 yards rushing, including a 75-yard touchdown during the Dolphins’ 41-17 loss to the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Ballage became the feature back in Dolphins coach Adam Gase’s offense after 14-year veteran Frank Gore left the game after suffering a left ankle injury in the first quarter, while Kenyan Drake also played despite ankle and shoulder injuries.

“I have been waiting for an opportunity for a long time,” said Ballage, Miami’s fifth-round pick in the NFL draft this April.

“I have been playing behind some really talented running backs, but it was nice to be out there.”

Ballage, who entered the game with only 11 rushing yards from limited handoffs in Wildcat formations, could see some more opportunities if Gore’s injury is worse than expected.

Gore left the Dolphins locker room while wearing a protective boot, and is expected to be further evaluated in Miami on Monday.

Gore had five carries for 14 yards against the Vikings, including a 10-yard play that ended with him needing help of two trainers to limp toward the sideline.

Shortly before reaching the sideline, Gore limped toward the Dolphins bench. He was later carted into the Dolphins locker room during the second quarter.

Drake, last week’s hero after scoring Miami’s miraculous game-winning touchdown against the New England Patriots, had only one carry for six yards against the Vikings. He also had three catches for 28 yards out of the backfield.

“That’s not my job,” Drake said when asked if he was satisfied with his usage despite injuring his ankle in the first half.

But Drake is encouraged by Ballage’s efforts during his rookie season.

“I’m just proud of that kid,” Drake said of Ballage. “He gives his best effort, shows up, and finishes with the ball every time in practice. It shows in the game. He has a bright future in this league.”

Howard inactive

Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard is inching toward a return from a left knee injury.

But Howard’s return will have to wait at least one more game.

Howard, arguably the Dolphins’ best player this season, missed his second straight game with Miami listing him as inactive against the Vikings.

Howard was one of seven players marked inactive before the game, despite being seen on the field doing some straight-line sprints from sideline to sideline about an hour and a half before kickoff.

Howard reportedly had arthroscopic knee surgery to trim his meniscus after suffering the injury during Miami’s home win over Buffalo on Dec. 2.