River Cracraft returns to practice, Dolphins open his 21-day activation window

Dolphins receiver River Cracraft was placed on injured reserve because of a shoulder injury in late August.

Miami Dolphins wide receivers other than Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle combined for just 71 receiving yards through seven games but help is on the way. Coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Wednesday that River Cracraft is returning to practice, and the team has 21 days to activate him from injured reserve to the active 53-man roster.

Cracraft was placed on injured reserve in late August because of a shoulder injury suffered after catching two passes for 29 yards and a touchdown in Miami’s second preseason game. He has appeared in 21 games since joining the Dolphins in 2022, catching 18 of 26 targets for 223 yards and three touchdowns.

Hill leads the team with 366 receiving yards, Waddle is second at 314 yards. Tight end Jonnu Smith is currently third with 256 receiving yards, followed by running back De’Von Achane with 244 and fullback Alec Ingold with 60 receiving yards.

Dee Eskridge ranks third among Dolphins wide receivers with 36 receiving yards. Malik Washington is fourth with 17 yards on three receptions. Grant DuBose and Robbie Chosen have each caught a pass. Odell Beckham Jr.’s been targeted three times but is yet to log his first reception in aqua and orange.

The Dolphins have struggled to find rhythm on offense and their back is against the wall after losing five of the last six games. It remains uncertain whether Cracraft will participate in Sunday’s AFC East matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but his return could provide a much-needed boost to an offense desperate for stability.