What You Need To Know:

• Howard missed 6 games last year with a shoulder stinger.
• He recorded games of 23 and 19 carries before going down in Week 9.
• In Miami, he profiles as the primary early-down and goal line back. But as usual, low projected receiving usage will cause spotty production.

Howard’s shortened season

Last offseason, the Eagles shipped a 5th-rounder to Chicago to acquire Howard.

Instead of emerging as a workhorse — as he did with the Bears — Howard mostly played a complementary role alongside Miles Sanders.

Howard topped 15 carries only twice: Week 8 and Week 9, his final games of the season. In his last appearance, Howard suffered a shoulder stinger that forced him to miss Weeks 10-16.

When active, he wasn’t anything special. Howard averaged 4.4 yards per carry, albeit with 6 TDs — 5 from the 3-yard line or closer. His 50.0 Elusive Rating, courtesy of Pro Football Focus, ranked 27th among 45 RBs with 100+ attempts. His 2.93 yards after contact ranked 24th.

So this was a decent back — but not the guy we saw brilliance from as a 2016 rookie. And, as usual, Howard was a non-factor in the passing game. He averaged 1.4 targets and 1 catch per outing.

New year, new team

Joining the Dolphins on a 2-year deal, Howard will now play for his 3rd team in 3 years.

He’s still only 25, but this could be his last chance at earning a lead back role. Howard at least healed up back in March.

“I’m back to 100 percent now,” Howard said. “It took a while, but I’m finally back to being 100 percent.”

If he stays on that path, 200 carries are a possibility on a Dolphins squad desperate for a run game spark. The front office also added Matt Breida in a draft day trade, but he tips the scales at about 200 pounds. He’ll handle the bulk of the receiving work — but Howard should see plenty of goal line and early down action.

The arrival of OC Chan Gailey looks promising, too. While he hasn’t held…