Why Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert, NFL touchdowns leader, may be in line for more
MIAMI GARDENS — Raheem Mostert flashed a grin across the Dolphins locker room Sunday after watching video of his hurdle over Panthers defensive back CJ Henderson in Miami's 42-21 win.
The lead leg gets up and clears. The trail leg tucks sideways. The momentum of his sprint carries through the obstacle.
Indeed, it was the precision of a former high school hurdler, one who won a region title in the 300-meter hurdles as a senior at New Smyrna Beach High School.
"It was textbook [form]," Mostert beamed. "I was just watching it and I was like, 'Wow, I did that.' "
Mostert's aerial rush was part of another explosive performance from the Dolphins backfield as the veteran piled up 115 yards, two rushing touchdowns and a receiving score in Miami's victory. The Dolphins rushed for 162 yards and averaged nearly five yards per carry against the Panthers.
The performance made Mostert the NFL's touchdowns leader (11) at the conclusion of Sunday's games. San Francisco's Christian McCaffrey is second with nine while teammate De'Von Achane is third with seven.
In the 12 years after hanging up his track spikes, Mostert's biggest hurdles, other than NFL defenders, have often been injuries, which threatened to derail his athletic prime.
The most serious -- a knee injury in the 2021 season opener -- ended his season prematurely and was his last action with the 49ers.
Mostert underwent an extensive rehabilitation program and first-year Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who coached Mostert as offensive coordinator in San Francisco, took a chance on the then 30-year-old running back with a one-year contract.
Mostert has said the knee injury still caused problems in his first season with Miami, even as he rushed for 891 yards and three touchdowns and earned a two-year extension.
As he glided over, past and through Panthers defenders on Sunday, Mostert's recovery looked more than complete.
"I'm just trying to do something remarkable for myself," Mostert said. "I'm just trying to set a standard, not only for myself, but for a lot of guys who come in undrafted. I'm in Year 9 now and it's truly a blessing and a dream."
"The first couple years [in the NFL], I wasn't really getting the opportunity. I don't really look back at that at all too much. I just try to push forward and do great things."
Tua Tagovailoa, other Dolphins respect Mostert
Mostert's journey to the top of the NFL scoring leaderboard has been nothing short of aspirational according to his fellow Dolphins.
"He's an old head and to have the amount of respect he has from the young guys," Tagovailoa said, "It means a lot to him. His mindset is that he's never too old to play this child's game."
The workload may only get heavier for Mostert after a slew of injuries to the backfield.
Achane was placed on injured reserve last week and will miss at least four games with a knee injury. Rookie Chris Brooks injured his ankle in the fourth quarter Sunday and was carted to the locker room.
The injuries leave the Dolphins with just two of four running backs available on the active roster ahead of next Sunday night's primetime game at Philadelphia.
More: Jerome Baker on upcoming schedule: 'It's about time the Dolphins play some meaningful games'
"When there's a challenge up ahead, you have to rock with the challenge and do what you do," Mostert said. "All in all, it's fun."
Running back Jeff Wilson Jr. is expected to return from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list soon to supplement Mostert and Savon Ahmed.
Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert leads NFL in touchdowns
