MIAMI GARDENS — Dolphins rookie running back Chris Brooks, who ignited the offense with his running and blocking, was placed on injured reserve Friday due to the knee and ankle injuries he sustained in last week’s 42-21 victory over Carolina. By rule, Brooks, who has a combination of speed and power, will have to miss at least four weeks, possibly opening the door for veteran running back Jeff Wilson Jr. to be activated from injured reserve.
Brooks, who was undrafted out of BYU after starting his college career at California, has 94 yards rushing on 15 carries. He had a season-best 66 yards rushing against Denver. Brooks has played in all six Dolphins games, including handling some special teams duties.
It’s assumed Brooks will return this season. Teams can designate eight players to return from injured reserve and the Dolphins have already designated three among Ramsey, Wilson and guard Robert Jones.
It seems likely they’ll reserve two other spots for Wilson and left tackle Terron Armstead and running back De’Von Achane, bringing the total to five.
They could also save two additional spots for wide receiver River Cracraft and Brooks. That would only leave one spot for the remainder of the season and wide receiver Erik Ezuknama, who is on the Non-Football Injury list (NFI) with a neck injury, would also count against the eight that could return if he comes back.
With Brooks gone, the Dolphins have a roster spot available for a running back, and it seems Wilson, who has been mending from finger and midsection injuries, would fill that role.
