Free-agent wide receiver River Cracraft announced on social media that he re-signed an undisclosed deal with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday. Cracraft will return to Miami in 2024 for his third year with the team. In the last two seasons in South Beach, he had 18 receptions on 26 targets for 223 yards and three touchdowns in 21 regular-season games (one start) while providing receiver depth behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Erik Ezukanma. The 29-year-old has had his share of injuries as well and will be completely off the fantasy radar this fall. Cracraft entered the NFL in 2018 with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent out of Washington State and has 25 career catches for 308 yards and three scores on 37 targets in his six NFL campaigns.
The Miami Dolphins activated wide receiver River Cracraft (shoulder) off Injured Reserve on Tuesday and waived cornerback Kelvin Joseph in a corresponding move. Cracraft is officially back on the team's 53-man active roster coming off the bye week and should play in Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 29-year-old injured his shoulder in late September and hasn't played since Week 3. In the three games before his injury, he had just six catches for 87 yards and one touchdown on eight targets. Now that he's back, he'll serve as receiver depth for Miami behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Braxton Berrios, Chase Claypool and Robbie Chosen. Cracraft is well off the fantasy radar.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft (shoulder) is likely facing an extended absence due to a shoulder injury he sustained in Week 3 versus the Denver Broncos, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The 28-year-old suffered the setback during the second quarter of last Sunday's game, posting one catch for 13 yards before exiting. Cracraft entered that one primed for an expanded role without Jaylen Waddle (concussion). Miami's receiving corps could be razor-thin behind Tyreek Hill in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills if Waddle cannot pass concussion protocol ahead of play with Erik Ezukanma (neck) also not practicing on Wednesday. Braxton Berrios could be on the deep-league radar in a possible shootout depending on the level of availability of the Dolphins' receivers.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft hauled in three of his five targets for 33 yards and one touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. While not a steady contributor by any means, Cracraft has shown a knack for finding the end zone. Three of his last 12 catches have gone for touchdowns, and all three of those scores came within the first weeks of their respective season (2022 or 2023). So, what does this all mean? Very little, actually. The fact of the matter is that Cracraft can make plays happen but is buried on the depth chart and should be avoided in fantasy football leagues.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft turned eight targets into five catches for 52 yards during Saturday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. All of his targets came from Skylar Thompson while playing with the second-stringers. The 28-year-old is nestled into a depth role once again and isn't on the fantasy radar, but his dependability as a veteran will surely earn him some snaps down the stretch.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft hauled in all four of his targets for a total of 55 yards during Sunday's win over the Houston Texans. This was certainly an emergence of sorts for Cracraft, who had just two catches (and two touchdowns) through the first 11 weeks of the NFL season. Although Cracraft produced FLEX-level numbers this week, he's not on the fantasy radar going forward.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft hauled in his lone target for an 11-yard touchdown reception against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. Although he was outproduced by Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, Cracraft was on the receiving end of Tua Tagovailoa's lone touchdown strike. Still, he lacks fantasy appeal given his inconsistent usage and should be left on waivers in most leagues.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft hauled in one of his two targets for a two-yard touchdown during Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. His score played a role in Miami's comeback win. Cracraft went untargeted against New England in Week 1. He does not have any fantasy football appeal going forward.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft hauled in four of seven targets for 54 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cracraft has a connection to head coach Mike McDaniel from their time together in San Francisco, and he has looked impressive this preseason. With those two factors in mind (as well as the likelihood that Miami parts with Lynn Bowden Jr. or Preston Williams), Cracraft should make the 53-man roster. Still, he doesn't have a clear path to fantasy relevance in 2022.
River Cracraft Catches Two Passes In Second Quarter
Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft caught two passes for 32 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders during Saturday's preseason contest. He played entirely in the second-team offense with Teddy Bridgewater, and both of his targets came in the second quarter. Cracraft bounced around with the Broncos, Eagles, and 49ers for five years before following coach Mike McDaniel to Miami. The now-27-year-old has seven career catches, three kick returns, 17 punt returns, and a handful of tackles on special teams. He is fighting for a roster spot as the summer progresses.
