How to handle Salvon Ahmed injury, Matt Breida Covid-19 diagnosis in Week 13 fantasy football

The Miami Dolphins backfield is a riddle wrapped in a mystery wrapped in a long list of injuries heading into this week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Let’s wade through it. The team placed running back Matt Breida on the COVID/reserve on Friday, meaning he is out this week. Salvon Ahmed is listed as doubtful on the official weekly injury report. Despite practicing in a limited role this week, ESPN reports that Ahmed and DeAndre Washington will likely miss this game too.

Fantasy impact: Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), Matt Breida (Covid-19)

Without Ahmed, Breida, or Washington, the Dolphins backfield is rather thin. The wild card here is whether or not the team activates Myles Gaskin. He’s been practicing the last two weeks after being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. He has a good chance of being back in uniform for the first time since Week 8. Gaskin has some fantasy value as an RB2 given a favorable matchup against the Bengals, if he plays.

If Gaskin can’t go, Patrick Laird is the starter by default. He would have limited appeal for fantasy rosters as a RB3 or Flex player, thanks to the matchup.