Le'Veon who? Miami Dolphins' starting RB Myles Gaskin makes a statement

MIAMI GARDENS — The Dolphins pursued three-time Pro Bowler Le'Veon Bell this week as a potential starting running back.

Bell chose to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs. But the Dolphins have a starting running back, in Myles Gaskin, who rushed for a career-high 91 yards on Sunday.

Was Gaskin motivated by the news reports about Bell?

Gaskin smiled. Paused. "No," Gaskin said.

Gaskin always runs hard. In Sunday's 24-0 defeat of the Jets, Gaskin also flashed his excellent receiving skills, with four catches for 35 yards.

Miami coach Brian Flores was asked if he felt Gaskin was fueled by the Bell news.

"I think he's been playing well really these first six weeks," Flores said. "Look — most guys I know, the guys on our team, are motivated to play, period. I don't think we need any extra motivation. Myles is a motivated guy. He played well. Myles is tough, he's competitive and he's been productive. Hopefully we can keep building on that."

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It is extremely surprising that Gaskin, a former 7th-rounder out of Washington, has emerged as Miami's lead back. Consider that before the season, Miami signed bruising Jordan Howard and traded for flashy Matt Breida.

On Sunday, Howard was a healthy inactive for a second consecutive week. And Breida, the speedster, had six carries for 15 yards.

Dolphins coaches have repeatedly cited Gaskin's strong work ethic, toughness and passion. He is improving as a blocker as well as running in space. But Gaskin has proven to be a reliable and determined asset.

"Part of it is opportunity," Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said of leaning on Gaskin Sunday. "Part of it is the defense was inviting the run a little bit. He's continued to work really hard. The improvement he made from last year is great. His confidence as a runner and a pass catcher. We're really happy that he's made this jump."

Gaskin credited Miami's offensive line and his coaches.

"I am very thankful the coaches have put trust in me, but I think I can do better," Gaskin said. "I need to keep growing. I've been learning."

The Dolphins did not draft a running back in April. It has always seemed likely Miami would draft or sign a potential upper-echelon running back after this season.

Is there any way Gaskin could change that line of thinking? Gaskin was asked after this game if he feels he has the opportunity to prove before the end of the season that he can be the lead back on an NFL team.

"Yes," Gaskin said.

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