RB Gaskin comes off COVID list

Fins’ leading rusher returns to practice

The Miami Dolphins, fresh off their best rushing performance of the Brian Flores era, will have another running back return to the fold for Saturday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Dolphins leading rusher Myles Gaskin returned to practice Wednesday and was removed from the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list. He had been out since Dec. 12.

Gaskin’s return bodes well for the Dolphins offense, which rushed for 250 yards against the New England Patriots last Sunday — the highest rushing total for the franchise since the 2016 season.

Gaskin, who leads the Dolphins with 477 yards, could compete with rookie and college teammate Salvon Ahmed, who rushed for 122 yards against the Patriots. Both players played at the University of Washington.

Gaskin has missed the past two games because of his stint on the COVID-19 list.

He also missed four games earlier this season due to a knee injury.

Other injury news

The Dolphins’ other top offensive playmakers have also made strides in practice this week:

Tight end Mike Gesicki, who injured his shoulder against the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 13, was limited in Wednesday’s first full practice of the week. The Dolphins had a walkthrough on Tuesday.

Gesicki, who leads the Dolphins with six touchdown catches, missed the first game of his career last Sunday since being Miami’s second-round pick in 2018.

Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker (hamstring) and receiver/ return specialist Jakeem Grant (hamstring) also practiced. They also missed the Patriots game.

Starting left guard Ereck Flowers could return from a two-game absence due to an ankle injury, and the Dolphins offense could surely use the veteran. He practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, but his return is encouraging.

Rookie starting right/left guard Solomon Kindley, who injured his knee during the Patriots game, has not practiced through two practices this week.

If Flowers is able to return, he’ll likely play against the Raiders and keep Miami’s offensive line intact with rookie left tackle Austin Jackson, veteran center Ted Karras, veteran right guard Jesse Davis and rookie right tackle Robert Hunt.

Linebacker Jerome Baker (knee), safety Bobby McCain (ankle), defensive end Shaq Lawson (shoulder) and linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hip) were all limited in Wednesday’s practice. They were also limited on Tuesday.

Safety Clayton Fejedelem, a key special teams contributor, did not practice Wednesday for a non-injury-related reason. He was limited Tuesday due to a thumb injury.

Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard (shoulder) and safety Kavon Frazier (shoulder) also practiced Wednesday despite their injuries.