Fantasy Player Profile
@NE: #1 vs opposing RB - 15.84 FPA
| Rushing | Receiving | Fum | Fantasy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wk | Opp | Yds | TD | Yds | TD | Lost | Pts |
| 1 | BAL, | -1 | - | 13 | - | - | 2.20 |
| 2 | NE, | 6 | - | 6 | - | - | 2.20 |
| 3 | @DAL, | 17 | - | 10 | - | - | 3.70 |
| 4 | LAC, | 7 | - | - | - | - | 0.70 |
| 5 | Bye | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
| 6 | WAS, | 7 | 1 | - | - | - | 6.70 |
| 7 | @BUF, | 7 | 1 | - | - | - | 6.70 |
| 8 | @PIT, | 8 | - | 11 | - | - | 2.90 |
| 9 | NYJ, | 19 | - | - | - | - | 1.90 |
| 10 | @IND, | 43 | - | 2 | - | - | 8.50 |
| 11 | BUF, | 9 | 1 | 8 | - | - | 12.70 |
| 12 | @CLE, | 13 | - | 13 | - | - | 3.60 |
| 13 | PHI, | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
| 14 | @NYJ, | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
| 15 | @NYG, | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
| 16 | CIN, | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
| 17 | @NE, | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
- 12.20
- 22.20
- 33.70
- 40.70
- 5
- 66.70
- 76.70
- 82.90
- 91.90
- 108.50
- 1112.70
- 123.60
- 130.00
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5 Bye
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
-
Should be healthy soon
Ballage (Achilles) could be healthy within a few weeks, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Coach Brian Flores said Ballage wouldn't have been placed on injured reserve Tuesday if the running back had suffered the same sort of leg injury earlier in the season. Based on those comments, it sounds like Ballage will return to full health long before the offseason program, but he'll need to battle for his roster spot after averaging 1.8 yards on 74 carries and 2.6 yards on 24 targets in 2019. The Dolphins have plenty of draft picks and ample cap space to secure upgrades in the backfield.…read more
Published: Wed, Dec 4 at 8:20am by Rotowire.com
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Lands on IR
Ballage (leg) is headed to IR, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: In a corresponding move, the team claimed fellow running back Zach Zenner off waivers from the Cardinals. With Ballage no longer in the mix, added work in the Dolphins' backfield is now available for Patrick Laird and Myles Gaskin.
Published: Tue, Dec 3 at 2:03pm by Rotowire.com
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Leaves game Sunday
Ballage is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Eagles due to a leg injury, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Ballage appeared to suffer a non-contact injury midway through the second quarter. As long as the second-year pro is sidelined, Myles Gaskin and Patrick Laird will handle Miami's backfield reps.
Published: Sun, Dec 1 at 11:12am by Rotowire.com
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Retains starting job
Coach Brian Flores said Monday that Ballage will remain the starter this week, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Despite averaging a miserable 1.9 yards per carry and 4.5 yards per catch through 11 contests, Ballage will retain his grasp on the starting gig for the time being. Rookies Patrick Laird and Myles Gaskin have garnered increased usage in recent weeks -- Laird logged 23 snaps on offense during Sunday's loss to the Browns while Gaskin played 16 snaps -- so Miami's backfield could grow to more closely represent a timeshare as the season continues, unless Ballage is able to start producing more…read more
Published: Mon, Nov 25 at 11:44am by Rotowire.com
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Another underwhelming performance
Ballage rushed seven times for 13 yards and brought in his only target for 13 yards in the Dolphins' 41-24 loss to the Browns on Sunday.
Analysis: Ballage couldn't get anything going on the ground, and he also saw Patrick Laird and Myles Gaskin log carries. The game script quickly turned against the ground attack, however, as the Dolphins found themselves in a 28-0 hole in the first half. The recent release of Mark Walton ostensibly gives Ballage a clearer path to a lead-back-worthy workload, but that's far from guaranteed in a backfield that still seems destined for a timeshare and on a team whose defense can often put the team in…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 24 at 2:36pm by Rotowire.com
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May get longer leash as starter
Ballage may have the opportunity to finish the season as the Dolphins' lead back after Miami cut the suspended Mark Walton on Tuesday, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Before the NFL handed him a four-game suspension earlier this month in connection with his three offseason arrests, Walton had seemingly separated himself from Ballage as the Dolphins' lead back following the late-October trade that sent Kenyan Drake to Arizona. Walton was expected to reclaim the top spot on the depth chart once eligible to return Dec. 8 against the Jets, but he lost his roster spot entirely after Miami was made aware of his involvement in yet another "police matter" early…read more
Published: Tue, Nov 19 at 9:39am by Rotowire.com
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Averages 1.0 yards per carry
Ballage ran for nine yards and a touchdown on nine attempts and added eight yards on five catches during Sunday's 37-20 loss to the Bills.
Analysis: In the voice of Chandler Bing, could Ballage be any more inefficient? The sophomore back's yards per carry dropped down to 1.9 on the season Sunday and he's had just one game this season in which he averaged more than three yards per carry. He hasn't been much better through the air, averaging 3.8 yards per catch. Certainly, a depleted offensive line and journeyman throwing the ball doesn't help, but Ballage has failed to do much with his rise to the starting role aside from the occasional…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 17 at 3:40pm by Rotowire.com
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Will remain priority on ground
Coach Brian Flores said Wednesday that the Dolphins will continue to lean heavily on Ballage as their lead option out of the backfield, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports. "Kalen's done a good job at practice; it hasn't materialized in games," Flores said. "We keep giving it to him, and I think it will turn. He's a good player. He's shown it in practice. We'll keep feeding him and I think he will break through at some point."
Analysis: While Mark Walton missed the first of four games due to suspension in the Dolphins' win last week over the Colts, Ballage stepped in as the clear No. 1 back, playing 54 of 66 offensive snaps but gaining just 43 yards on 20 carries. Ballage's lack of productivity on the ground has been a recurring theme throughout the season, as his 2.1 yards-per-carry average ranks last among all backs with at least 10 totes. Fortunately for Ballage, none of the other three active backs on the roster -- Patrick…read more
Published: Thu, Nov 14 at 1:58pm by Rotowire.com
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Gets 20 carries
Ballage carried the ball 20 times for 43 yards in the team's Week 10 win over the Colts. He also added four receptions for two yards.
Analysis: Though there was speculation about the roles of Patrick Laird and Myles Gaskin heading into the contest, Ballage accounted for 20 of the team's 26 total carries. He wasn't able to turn that into a lot of production however, as he averaged just 2.2 yards per carry and his longest attempt went for just seven yards. Still, with Mark Walton (suspension) sidelined for the foreseeable future, Ballage is likely to carry the load in Miami's backfield. He'll look to be more efficient in Week 11 against…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 10 at 7:10pm by Rotowire.com
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Should see expanded role
Ballage figures to see an expanded role in Miami's offense in the coming weeks, with teammate Mark Walton slated to serve a four-game suspension.
Analysis: With Walton unavailable, look for Ballage to head the Dolphins' rushing attack this Sunday against the Colts, with Patrick Laird and Myles Gaskin also candidates to see added opportunities in the coming weeks. While Ballage's team context isn't optimal and doesn't always lead to favorable game flows, he's an option for those looking to add running back depth, with injuries and bye weeks in mind.
Published: Mon, Nov 4 at 2:13pm by Rotowire.com
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Takes back seat to Walton again
Ballage turned seven carries into 19 yards and failed to bring in his only target in Sunday's 26-18 win over the Jets.
Analysis: Even with Kenyan Drake now plying his trade in Arizona, Ballage's role remains largely unchanged, as Mark Walton stepped into the leading role on the ground with 29 yards on 12 carries. Ballage will be entrusted with the occasional goal-line carry, but the Dolphins don't get there very often. All three of Miami's touchdowns in this one came through the air.
Published: Sun, Nov 3 at 1:59pm by Rotowire.com
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Meager role in Week 8
Ballage played 10 of the Dolphins' 60 offensive snaps in Monday's 27-14 loss to the Steelers, finishing with eight yards on three carries and an 11-yard reception.
Analysis: Though pregame reports suggested Ballage would garner the start Week 8 following the trade of Kenyan Drake to the Cardinals, Mark Walton lined up in the backfield for the Dolphins' first snap. Walton went on to play 51 more snaps on the evening, indicating that he's the clear No. 1 back for the Drake-less Dolphins. Ballage's 17 percent offensive snap share was actually his largest portion since Week 3, but his role isn't sizable enough to make him worthy of rostering in the majority of fantasy…read more
Published: Fri, Nov 1 at 3:23pm by Rotowire.com
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Starting Monday
Ballage will be the Dolphins' starting running back Monday at Pittsburgh, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: In the wake of Kenyan Drake getting moved to Arizona, Miami will entrust the backfield in Ballage's hands first. When Ballage started Weeks 1 and 2, he was granted at least a 50 percent share of the offensive snaps in both of those contests, but he managed just 24 yards from scrimmage and no TDs on 11 touches. There's a decent bet he splits the work with Mark Walton against the Steelers' 19th-ranked run defense (110.2 yards per game).
Published: Mon, Oct 28 at 4:15pm by Rotowire.com
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Increased opportunities on tap
Ballage could see increased touches going forward with Kenyan Drake reportedly having been traded to the Cardinals on Monday, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Ballage appears to have carved out a role as Miami's top goal-line option, but Mark Walton is the favorite to head the team's backfield. Coming off two consecutive outings in which he scored but failed to eclipse seven rushing yards, Ballage will be difficult to trust against the Steelers on Monday night, even in the absence of Drake. However, it's possible that his role expands going forward, making the second-year pro a worthwhile speculative add in leagues in which he's available.
Published: Mon, Oct 28 at 8:13am by Rotowire.com
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Scores in loss
Ballage ran the ball three times for seven yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 31-21 loss to the Bills.
Analysis: Ballage duplicated his exact rushing statline from Week 6, managing to score for a second consecutive week. The second-year pro has been eclipsed by both Kenyan Drake and Mark Walton on Miami's depth chart, but he appears to be hanging onto a role as the team's short-yardage and goal-line back.
Published: Mon, Oct 21 at 8:00am by Rotowire.com
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Reaches end zone
Ballage ran for seven yards and one touchdown on three carries during Sunday's 17-16 loss to Washington.
Analysis: Ballage was inefficient as usual on the ground, averaging only 1.6 yards per carry through five contests. His 6-foot-2, 231-pound frame did come in useful in the red zone, allowing Ballage to salvage his day for fantasy purposes. The second-year pro now appears to be operating behind both Kenyan Drake and Mark Walton, making him a risky start in most fantasy formats despite upside around the goal line.
Published: Sun, Oct 13 at 5:38pm by Rotowire.com
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Suits up Sunday
Ballage (foot) is listed as active for Sunday's game against Washington.
Analysis: He's in uniform, but with Kenyan Drake serving as the team's top back and Mark Walton starting to earn his share of carries in the Miami ground game, Ballage is a risky roll in fantasy lineups.
Published: Sun, Oct 13 at 8:52am by Rotowire.com
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Questionable due to foot injury
Ballage (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Redskins, Safid Deen of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Ballage avoided the injury report in Week 6 until making an appearance Friday as a limited participant. Typically, this is indicative of an injury suffered in practice, but the Dolphins will wait until 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff before making a decision on his availability.
Published: Fri, Oct 11 at 11:24am by Rotowire.com
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Gets two carries in loss
Ballage recorded two carries for seven yards and was unable to corral his lone target in Sunday's loss to the Chargers.
Analysis: Ballage saw the field for just eight snaps on offense Sunday after seeing 20, 21 and 25 snaps in the first three games, respectively. The 23-year-old has seemingly been filed into the backup role behind Kenyan Drake, who has taken 31 carries for 113 yards and 13 receptions for 107 additional yards through four games, compared to Ballage's 19 carries for 29 yards. Not helping either running back is the fact that Miami has often found themselves playing from behind in games so far this season,…read more
Published: Tue, Oct 1 at 11:01am by Rotowire.com
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Makes minimal impact versus Dallas
Ballage carried eight times for 17 yards and caught one of three targets for 10 yards during Sunday's 31-6 loss to the Cowboys.
Analysis: Ballage's nine touches nearly doubled his season total, but he did little on the ground as he averaged just 2.1 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Kenyan Drake totaled 72 scrimmage yards on 15 touches and looked much more effective against a tough opponent. Ballage has hardly made a case for a larger workload, totaling 22 yards on 17 carries and 29 yards on three catches through three games. With that said, he seems unlikely to make much of a fantasy impact in next Sunday's home matchup with the…read more
Published: Sun, Sep 22 at 6:21pm by Rotowire.com
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Among Miami's Week 2 lowlights
Ballage rushed four times for six yards and caught one of five targets for six yards in Sunday's 43-0 loss to the Patriots.
Analysis: Ballage looked completely inept trying to catch the ball out of the backfield. He ducked rather than try to catch a pass intended for him in the first half, and then had a ball bounce off his hands and returned for an interception touchdown in the second half. Kenyan Drake is the better running back in Miami, and it's hard to see Ballage becoming much of a difference-maker even if Drake's trade rumors turn into a tangible move.
Published: Sun, Sep 15 at 3:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Used less in committee
Ballage played only 20 snaps on offense during Sunday's 59-10 loss to the Ravens while Kenyan Drake played 27 snaps.
Analysis: Ballage, who netted minus-1 yard on five carries and one catch for 13 yards, also saw less touches than Drake despite being listed as the starter. Given that the Ravens led 42-10 by halftime, it's conceivable that the game script simply favored Drake's receiving chops, but Ballage's lack of efficiency also could have prompted him to cede the workload. Heading into a Week 2 matchup against New England's impressive offense, Ballage may once again be facing an unfavorable situation and see less…read more
Published: Mon, Sep 9 at 5:59pm by Rotowire.com
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Complete dud as starter
Ballage netted minus-1 yard on five rushes and brought in his sole target for 13 yards in the Dolphins' 59-10 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.
Analysis: Ballage entered the game as the starting running back on the depth chart, although one wouldn't know it by his final numbers. Naturally, game conditions were far from ideal for any Dolphins running back, with Miami already down by three touchdowns before the end of the first quarter. Fantasy managers holding rights to Ballage and/or Kenyan Drake likely would be ill-advised to draw many conclusions from Sunday's contest about what the workload between the two might normally look like. Moreover,…read more
Published: Sun, Sep 8 at 2:04pm by Rotowire.com
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Announced as starter
Ballage was announced as the Dolphins' starting running back for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Though the Dolphins' initial depth chart lists Kenyan Drake as the top back, coach Brian Flores has decided to go in a different direction for Week 1. As Wolfe notes, the fact that Ballage is starting doesn't guarantee the second-year player will be in line for the bulk of the snaps/touches out of the backfield, as both he and Drake are expected to see plenty of action in what could end up being more of a timeshare arrangement.
Published: Sun, Sep 8 at 10:00am by Rotowire.com
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Listed behind Drake
Ballage is listed behind Kenyan Drake on the Dolphins' depth chart ahead of Sunday's season opener versus the Ravens, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Ballage couldn't take advantage of Drake's absence due to a foot injury during the final three preseason games, as the Arizona State product averaged just 2.2 yards on 18 carries during the exhibition slate. Both backs are expected to be involved in the game plan Week 1, but with coach Brian Flores confirming that Drake has regained his health, Ballage looks on track to fill a secondary role. No matter how the snap share shakes out, both backs could struggle to find open running room while…read more
Published: Wed, Sep 4 at 10:32am by Rotowire.com
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Competition resurfaces
Ballage will resume sharing first-team snaps with Kenyan Drake (foot), who returned to practice Monday, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.
Analysis: Ballage served as Miami's unquestioned starter for two weeks while Drake nursed a foot injury and now will resume working in a timeshare. Drake figures to factor into the receiving game more than his counterpart, while Ballage appears the favorite for goal-line work. Though Ballage is facing significant opportunity, lackluster play along Miami's offensive line ultimately could limit his fantasy ceiling.
Published: Mon, Aug 26 at 2:07pm by Rotowire.com
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Bottled up by Jaguars
Ballage carried the ball 12 times for 17 yards and lost two yards on two carries during Thursday's 22-7 win over Jacksonville.
Analysis: Six of Ballage's carries went for no gain or negative yardage Thursday as Jacksonville, especially rookie edge Josh Allen, routinely created havoc in the backfield against Miami's starting offense. Ballage, a favorite prior to the 2018 draft of running back's coach Eric Studesville, figures to carry the load this season alongside Kenyan Drake, who has dealt with a foot injury. Thursday showed, however, that no matter how many opportunities he might get, it will be tough sledding for Ballage if…read more
Published: Thu, Aug 22 at 8:36pm by Rotowire.com
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Not playing Friday
Ballage is not playing during Friday's preseason contest against the Buccaneers.
Analysis: The Dolphins are opting to keep Ballage on ice Friday, given that he's the team's de facto No. 1 runner with Kenyan Drake (foot) managing an injury. Mark Walton and Myles Gaskin stand to receive the majority of carries with the starting offense Friday and for as long as Ballage and Drake remain off the field.
Published: Fri, Aug 16 at 5:28pm by Rotowire.com
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Met with opportunity
Ballage will serve as the Dolphins' lead running back as long as Kenyan Drake (foot) remains sidelined, Omar Kelly and Safid Deen of the South Florida Sun Sentinel report.
Analysis: Ballage dominated first-team reps during Wednesday's joint practice with the Buccaneers, an unsurprising development while Drake was unavailable. The second-year back reportedly made the most of his opportunity, highlighted by a 35-yard scoring jaunt to the outside along with a screen pass in which he nearly converted for another touchdown during 11-on-11 drills. Drake -- who was spotted wearing a walking boot Wednesday - has reportedly avoided any structural damage to his foot and is expected…read more
Published: Wed, Aug 14 at 12:56pm by Rotowire.com
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Benefits from Drake's absence
Ballage dominated the first-team snaps at Wednesday's practice while Kenyan Drake was sidelined with a leg injury, Safid Deen of The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Analysis: Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post notes that Ballage took full advantage of the opportunity, displaying an impressive combination of size, speed and power. Of course, nobody really questions Ballage's physical traits, with criticism instead focusing on vision, instincts and toughness. Ballage seems to have strong support from the new coaching staff in Miami, often taking snaps with the first team even when Drake has been healthy. There's little question Drake will have a key role in the passing…read more
Published: Wed, Aug 14 at 8:49am by Rotowire.com
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Goal-line touchdown in win
Ballage recorded 23 rushing yards and one touchdown on six carries, and was targeted twice but recorded zero receptions during Thursday's 34-27 win against the Falcons.
Analysis: Ballage helped Miami hit paydirt for the first time this season, plunging into the end zone from one yard out on Josh Rosen's inaugural offensive drive as a Dolphin. The second-year back out of Arizona State was mostly held in check on his other five rush attempts, with the exception of a 16-yard run earlier on that same touchdown drive that helped set Miami up in scoring range. Comparing Ballage's rookie numbers to those of backfield mate Kenyan Drake, we see nearly an identical result --…read more
Published: Thu, Aug 8 at 9:41pm by Rotowire.com
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Returns to practice
Ballage (undisclosed) is participating in team drills Saturday, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Ballage missed multiple practice sessions this week due to an undisclosed injury and now resumes working with the first team. While it appears that Ballage has made a full recovery, it's worth noting that the second-year pro ceded Saturday's initial first-team reps to Kenyan Drake and was held out of certain drills to begin the day. Mark Walton stands to see deceased reps as Ballage and Drake recommence competing for carries.
Published: Sat, Aug 3 at 8:01am by Rotowire.com
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Still not practicing
Ballage (undisclosed) did not participate in the Dolphins' team scrimmage Saturday, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: It's still unclear what is keeping Ballage off the field, but Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald did report the running back was able to participate in portions of Saturday's practice, so this injury is likely relatively minor. Mark Walton operated as the No. 2 back in Ballage's absence, with Kenyan Drake stringing together his second consecutive stellar practice as the lead back.
Published: Sat, Aug 3 at 7:34am by Rotowire.com
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Continues to sit
Ballage (undisclosed) will remain out of practice Thursday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: It remains unclear what exactly is holding Ballage out of practice, but it's now been a multi-day absence for the running back, who is hopeful to cut into the workload of presumed starter Kenyan Drake.
Published: Thu, Aug 1 at 7:06am by Rotowire.com
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Issue doesn't look serious
The unspecified issue that forced Ballage to leave Tuesday's practice does not appear to be serious, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Jackson notes that Ballage walked off the field Tuesday without any clear limitations, which bodes well for the running back's chances of a quick return to practice.
Published: Tue, Jul 30 at 10:24am by Rotowire.com
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Exits Tuesday's practice
Ballage (undisclosed) left the practice field Tuesday accompanied by trainers, Alain Poupart of the Dolphins' official site reports.
Analysis: Per Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com, Ballage "appeared to get banged up" Tuesday, so it appears as though there's an injury in play here, rather than dehydration or cramping. When healthy, Ballage is slated to compete for carries with Kenyan Drake.
Published: Tue, Jul 30 at 9:13am by Rotowire.com
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Gets first snap
Ballage took the first snap in team drills at training camp, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: This isn't cause for panic for Kenyan Drake owners, but it's at least worth noting as mild cause for optimism that Ballage will be an important part of Miami's offense. The Dolphins declined to invest significant resources in backfield depth during the offseason, drafting Myles Gaskin in the seventh round before signing Bengals castoff Mark Walton.
Published: Thu, Jul 25 at 7:57am by Rotowire.com
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Ready for more work sans Gore
The Dolphins figure to take a closer look at Ballage after they declined to re-sign Frank Gore, Charles Trainor of The Miami Herald reports.
Analysis: Given their commitment to a rebuild and numerous roster deficiencies, it won't come as any surprise if the Dolphins enter training camp with minimal competition for Ballage and Kenyan Drake in the backfield. The latter is an obvious favorite to handle the lead role, but he's yet to reach 175 touches in a season despite playing all 48 games since he entered the NFL. The Dolphins ideally would like to see a 1-2 punch, with Drake presumably handling more of the receiving work while Ballage does…read more
Published: Fri, Mar 15 at 9:09am by Rotowire.com
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Praised for work ethic
Ballage's work ethic and athleticism have made a strong impression on running backs coach Eric Studesville, one of the few holdovers from the old coaching staff in Miami, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald reports. "[Ballage]'s a big, physical body," Studesville said. "He can run. He's athletic. He's got a lot of growth to do as far as seeing and recognizing things. His work ethic is tremendous. He's got speed for a big man."
Analysis: A size-speed freak with subpar college production, Ballage was selected at No. 131 overall (fourth round) in the 2018 NFL Draft and spent most of his rookie season playing special teams. He finally got his shot on offense when Frank Gore suffered a season-ending foot injury Week 15, immediately responding with a 75-yard touchdown scamper against Minnesota. The rookie averaged just 3.3 yards on his 35 other carries and 6.2 yards on nine catches, with 12 of his 45 touches (27 percent) going for…read more
Published: Tue, Feb 19 at 7:23am by Rotowire.com
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Records 13 touches in finale
Ballage rushed 12 times for 47 yards and caught his only target for one yard during Sunday's 42-17 loss to the Bills.
Analysis: Ballage's 13 touches during Week 17's blowout loss tied his career high. The rookie fourth-round pick finishes up the season with 36 carries for 191 yards and one touchdown, in addition to nine receptions for 56 yards. Save for a highlight-reel 75-yard touchdown gallop in Week 15, Ballage was not able to use his size, athleticism and pass-catching abilities to differentiate himself among Miami's running back committee. There's little clarity to be found regarding the 23-year-old's future usage…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 30 at 2:04pm by Rotowire.com
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Six touches in loss
Ballage rushed four times for 10 yards and caught two of four targets for 39 yards in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville.
Analysis: Ballage didn't come near his Week 15 workload -- one that saw him log 12 carries for 123 yards -- disappointing fantasy managers who risked starting him in their lineups. The rookie was mostly stifled alongside the rest of Miami's offense, which managed only 183 total yards on the day. Ballage was able to briefly showcase his receiving chops, averaging 19.5 yards per reception and doing most of his damage after the catch.
Published: Sun, Dec 23 at 1:56pm by Rotowire.com
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Primed for more work
Ballage is headed for a key role in the Miami backfield with Frank Gore (foot) expected to miss the rest of the season, ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Getting his first significant playing time as a professional, Ballage responded with 12 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 41-17 loss to the Vikings, while Kenyan Drake saw just four touches despite handling a 53 percent snap share. The rookie fourth-round pick profiles as a more explosive replacement for Gore, who averaged 11.1 carries and 1.1 targets in 14 games this season. A Week 16 home contest against the lifeless Jaguars should give Ballage a decent shot to make it…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 17 at 1:17pm by Rotowire.com
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Posts career game in loss
Ballage carried the ball 12 times for 123 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 41-17 loss to the Vikings. He also caught one pass for a loss of two yards.
Analysis: Ballage benefited from a substantial uptick in carries after Frank Gore (ankle) suffered a sprained foot during the first quarter, and he made the most of his opportunity. The rookie fourth-round pick capped his performance with a highlight-reel 75-yard TD run on the first play of the second half, in which he broke straight through the middle of the line and then outran the Vikings' secondary. Ballage had entered Sunday's game with only eight carries for 11 yards on the season, but his breakout…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 16 at 1:47pm by Rotowire.com
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No offensive snaps Week 14
Ballage did not play a single offensive snap during Sunday's 34-33 win over the Patriots.
Analysis: Ballage's only contributions during the Week 14 victory came in the form of his 19 special teams snaps. The rookie fourth-round pick appeared to have been carving out a niche role in Miami's rushing attack prior to Sunday's silent showing, but his volume projection for the rest of the season is now murky at best. It seems increasingly likely that Ballage won't get much of an opportunity for touches in 2018.
Published: Mon, Dec 10 at 9:31pm by Rotowire.com
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Garners career high in touches
Ballage carried the ball four times for just three yards during Sunday's 21-17 win over the Bills.
Analysis: Ballage took a direct snap for an 8-yard gain on his first touch of the day midway through the second quarter. His three subsequent carries all garnered no gain or loss of yardage. On the season, the rookie has just 11 rushing yards on eight carries. A draft-day favorite of position coach Eric Studesville, Ballage hasn't had much opportunity to get into a rhythm this season with the ageless Frank Gore leading the charge and the dynamic Kenyan Drake close behind. Miami was nice enough to give…read more
Published: Tue, Dec 4 at 9:12pm by Rotowire.com
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Ineffective in loss
Ballage caught both his targets for a loss of five yards during Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Colts.
Analysis: For the second straight week, Ballage saw work in the passing game but did not log a single carry. The rookie fourth-round pick has brought in all five of his targets this season, but he's yet to make a notable difference with his touches despite his 6-foot-2, 237-pound frame. He'll continue to play a depth role in Miami's offense during the Week 13 tilt against the Bills.
Published: Mon, Nov 26 at 5:40pm by Rotowire.com
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Notches one catch
Ballage brought in his only target for six receiving yards during Sunday's 31-12 loss to the Packers.
Analysis: Ballage once again remained relegated to a niche role in Miami's offense. It speaks well of the rookie's pass catching abilities that he saw the field during the Dolphins' first half two-minute drill, but Ballage appears unlikely to carve out a sizeable offensive role this season. The rookie has yet to receive more than 10 offensive snaps in a single game, and he's consequently only worth rostering in dynasty formats.
Published: Mon, Nov 12 at 11:49am by Rotowire.com
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Two catches in win
Ballage recorded one carry for a loss of two yards and caught both his targets for 17 yards during Sunday's 13-6 win over the Jets.
Analysis: Ballage saw his largest offensive workload of the season during the Week 9 win, logging three touches on four offensive snaps. The rookie running back appears to have carved out a niche offensive role, and he's now showcased his pass-catching skills on an NFL field. Ballage is unlikely to garner a notable offensive workload this season behind Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore, but he warrants attention in dynasty formats.
Published: Mon, Nov 5 at 2:27pm by Rotowire.com
More news and analysis available atNFL.com
- Every Dolphins TD | 2019 seasonThu, Jan 2 at 12:28pm
Watch every touchdown by the Miami Dolphins from the 2019 NFL season.
- Kalen Ballage bursts through barrage of Bills for TDSun, Nov 17 at 12:36pm
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Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei sniffs out the Miami Dolphins' screen play for a 3-yard tackle for loss.
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Miami Dolphins running back Kalen Ballage rushes for 3-yard touchdown.
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Miami Dolphins running back Kalen Ballage gets the Dolphins' first touchudown with his 1-yard rushing plunge.
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IT'S A FAKE! Miami Dolphins running back Kalen Ballage takes a direct snap to the edge for a first down on a fake punt.
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New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins scores on pick-six.
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Miami Dolphins wildcat play ends in a fumble recovery from Buffalo Bills defensive end Trent Murphy.
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Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith intercepts Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill for a 33-yard interception returned for a touchdown.
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Up Next- Every Dolphins TD | 2019 seasonThu, Jan 2 at 12:28pm
Watch every touchdown by the Miami Dolphins from the 2019 NFL season.
- Kalen Ballage bursts through barrage of Bills for TDSun, Nov 17 at 12:36pm
Miami Dolphins running back Kalen Ballage bursts through barrage of Bills for a rushing touchdown to put the Dolphins on the board.
- Star Lotulelei sniffs out Miami's screen play for TFLSun, Nov 17 at 10:55am
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei sniffs out the Miami Dolphins' screen play for a 3-yard tackle for loss.
- Ballage withstands barrage of would-be tacklers for tough TDSun, Oct 20 at 11:54am
Miami Dolphins running back Kalen Ballage rushes for 3-yard touchdown.
- Kalen Ballage gives Fins' first TD with 1-yard rushing plungeSun, Oct 13 at 12:53pm
Miami Dolphins running back Kalen Ballage gets the Dolphins' first touchudown with his 1-yard rushing plunge.
- IT'S A FAKE! Kalen Ballage takes direct snap to edge for first downSun, Oct 13 at 10:55am
IT'S A FAKE! Miami Dolphins running back Kalen Ballage takes a direct snap to the edge for a first down on a fake punt.
- Jamie Collins takes it to the HOUSE for 69-yard pick-sixSun, Sep 15 at 3:37pm
New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins scores on pick-six.
- Dolphins' wildcat play doesn't go as plannedSun, Dec 30 at 1:58pm
Miami Dolphins wildcat play ends in a fumble recovery from Buffalo Bills defensive end Trent Murphy.
- Ballage darts down sideline for 31-yard catch and runSun, Dec 23 at 2:06pm
Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill tosses a short pass to running back Kalen Ballage who picks up 31 yards.
- Telvin Smith undercuts Tannehill's pass for 33-yard pick-sixSun, Dec 23 at 1:10pm
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith intercepts Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill for a 33-yard interception returned for a touchdown.