Dolphins running back Myles Gaskin to COVID list but can return for next game

Miami Dolphins running back Myles Gaskin was placed on the team’s reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday, the team announced.

Gaskin tested positive for COVID-19, according to a Friday afternoon report by NFL Network.

Since Gaskin is vaccinated and the Dolphins are on their bye this weekend, Gaskin can still return in time for the Miami’s next game, at home against the New York Jets on Dec. 19. League rules state that a vaccinated player must return two negative tests more than 24 hours apart to be reactivated after testing positive.

Gaskin is the first Dolphin on the COVID list since Sept. 6, when tight end Adam Shaheen and offensive lineman Austin Jackson both landed on it in the week leading up to the opener at the New England Patriots.

Gaskin is the Dolphins’ leading rusher this season with 526 yards on 154 attempts, a 3.4 yards-per-carry average, and has run for three touchdowns. He also has 45 receptions for 217 yards and four more touchdowns through the air.

The Dolphins are suddenly ailing at running back after they placed Patrick Laird on injured reserve on Wednesday. Recently acquired Phillip Lindsay is also coming back from an ankle injury that cost him Miami’s last game, a 20-9 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday.

The Dolphins also have Salvon Ahmed on the active roster, along with veteran Duke Johnson, the Miami Hurricanes’ all-time leading rusher, and rookie Gerrid Doaks available to be activated off the practice squad. Malcolm Brown could also potentially return from injured reserve.