The Miami Dolphins’ injured receiver unit regained one of its most seasoned veterans on Tuesday when River Cracraft was activated from injured reserve.
The Dolphins dismissed cornerback Kelvin Joseph, whom they obtained in an August trade with the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, a prior unsuccessful Dolphins first-round pick, and Joseph, a disappointing Cowboys second-round pick.
The Dolphins had depth at cornerback because of Jalen Ramsey and Nik Needham’s return to the active roster in recent weeks, and Tuesday was the last day the Dolphins could add Cracraft, who was sidelined a month by a shoulder injury, to the 53-man roster before he had to spent the rest of the season on injured reserve.
Joseph, who has primarily played on special teams this season, could potentially be re-signed to the Dolphins’ practice squad, but he’d need to clear waivers Wednesday.
The Dolphins offense should benefit from Cracraft’s return because he’s characterized as the unit’s best blocking receiver, and has the most extensive knowledge of Miami’s offense, which goes back to his time together with head coach Mike McDaniel and receivers coach Wes Welker in San Francisco.
Cracraft is often praised for his ability to play all three receiver spots, which makes him a valuable game-day player, especially when injuries surface.
Before suffering the shoulder injury, Cracraft, a sixth-year veteran, caught six passes for 87 yards and a touchdown in the 70 offensive snaps he handled in the three regular season games he played this season, which includes one start.
Cracraft is also a respected special teams contributor, and has return skills, which could come in handy if the knee injury Braxton Berrios has been nursing limits his practice and game participation in the coming weeks.
Berrios is one of the four Dolphins receivers nursing an injury coming out of the bye week.
Jaylen Waddle suffered a knee injury in Miami’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but the injury likely won’t limit his practice participation this week, or keep Waddle, who has pulled in 40 receptions and turned them into 522 yards and three touchdowns this season, out of Sunday’s home game against the Las Vegas Raiders
Chase Claypool, a former Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears receiver acquired by the Dolphins last month, is also dealing with a knee problem that will most certainly necessitate rest. Tyreek Hill has a lingering problem that McDaniel refers to as “Ferrari” maintenance.
All of these receivers are expected to practice this week and maybe play on Sunday. However, Cracraft’s arrival strengthens the depth of a unit that also includes Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Robbie Chosen.
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