Kenyan Drake and the man ahead of him on the depth chart now share something in common: head injuries. The Miami Dolphins running back suffered a blow to his head during Monday's practice, knocking him out for the day. It's not immediately clear how bad the injury is, but judging by how it was sustained, Drake may need to miss some time. It's another hit to the team's depth at the position, which is becoming increasingly shaky.
Dolphins take another hit
Drake crashed into somebody during the practice session, inducing a head-to-head hit that could've taken out both players.
Cornerback Torry McTyler appeared to be okay, although he was extremely remorseful in the aftermath of the injury. It took some time for the running back to get back up on his feet. He needed to lean on a Dolphins trainer to help him get off the field, showing just how dazed he was by the hit.
Drake did not return to practice and head coach Adam Gase had no update on the injury afterwards. In all likelihood, however, he will be concussed, as that's what generally happens as a result from helmet-to-helmet hits. That means he'll have to enter the protocol and begin a recovery program that is challenging to define due to the different ways people absorb head injuries. The Dolphins can expect to play it safe with Drake, which could mean that he won't play again this preseason, at the least.
Drake joins Ajayi on the sidelines
The Dolphins were already dealing with an injury to starting running back Jay Ajayi, who also suffered what later became a concussive blow during a practice session. He's getting closer to a return, but still hasn't been cleared to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.
If Drake and Ajayi both miss the game, Damien Williams will likely get the bulk of playing time at running back.
Drake is competing with Williams for the primary backup role on the team this season. The Dolphins drafted him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He received 33 attempts during his rookie season, recording 179 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
During the preseason opener, he took the ball four times, rushing for 21 yards; he also caught a two-yard pass. The former Alabama Crimson Tide back has plenty of potential, he just needs opportunity to earn his way. A potential concussion isn't going to help his cause, though, making Monday's injury particularly devastating for Kenyan Drake.
