Dolphins' Raheem Mostert out against Ravens as injuries mount for Miami

If the Miami Dolphins hope to overtake the Baltimore Ravens for the No. 1 seed in the AFC in their game Sunday, they’ll have to do it without one of their best players.

Dolphins starting running back Raheem Mostert will not play Sunday due to knee and ankle injuries, according to ESPN and NFL Network.

Miami will also be without No. 2 receiver Jaylen Waddle, who is out against the Ravens because of a high ankle sprain.

Baltimore (12-4) enters as the No. 1 seed in the conference, after their win over the San Francisco 49ers last week.

But Miami (11-5) has a chance to take the top seed with a win against the Ravens, and in its season finale at home against the Buffalo Bills next week. The Dolphins hold the lead in the AFC East over the Bills (9-6) heading into Week 17.

Mostert isn’t just one of Miami’s best players. He’s been one of the best in the NFL this season.

Mostert, 31, is tied with 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey with 21 total touchdowns scored this season. He has set the Dolphins’ franchise record with 18 rushing touchdowns, while his career-high 1,012 rushing yards are fourth in the NFL.

Without Mostert and Waddle, the Dolphins will turn to rookie De’Von Achane, veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Chris Brooks in their backfield behind quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and star receiver Tyreek Hill.

While Hill leads Miami with 1,641 yards and 12 touchdowns, Waddle is second on the Dolphins with four touchdowns and 1,014 receiving yards, eclipsing 1,000 yards in each of the first three seasons in his career.

The Dolphins also have injuries along their offensive line where starting right guard Robert Hunt (hamstring) is inactive for the Ravens game, and center Liam Eichenberg (calf/ankle), starting right tackle Austin Jackson (oblique), and backup guard/tackle Lester Cotton (hip) are questionable.

Miami’s three best secondary players – cornerback Jalen Ramsey (knee), cornerback Xavien Howard (hip/thumb) and safety Jevon Holland (knees) – are questionable to play against Baltimore.

Meanwhile, safety Kyle Hamilton and guard Kevin Zeitler will be inactive for the Ravens.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dolphins' Raheem Mostert out vs. Ravens due to knee, ankle injuries