Raheem Mostert explains comments about Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert's comments have generated some chatter as his current team prepares to travel to the Bay Area for Sunday's clash with his former team, the San Francisco 49ers. Mostert, speaking with Tyler Dunne of Go Long, was critical of how the Niners reacted to his decision to undergo season-ending knee surgery last season. Dunne wrote that the decision "absolutely pissed the 49ers off," and Mostert said, "It isn't right."

That wasn't the comment that generated the most discussion, though.

"We have a quarterback who can actually sling it," Mostert said after being asked about the differences between the Dolphins offense and the 49ers offense, per Dunne.

While Mostert insists the comment was only meant to praise his current quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, many saw the use of the word "actually" as a dig directed at his former quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. Later, Mostert tweeted that the comments were taken out of context and that he was actually complimentary of the 49ers quarterback but that his praises were omitted.

On Tuesday, Mostert had an opportunity to explain himself to Bay Area fans further.

"The initial report was specifically talking about Tua and his success," Mostert told KNBR's Greg Papa and John Lund. "So when I was being asked those questions, I was looking at it as a view of what Tua has done and what Tua had dealt with in the past."

Mostert clarified that saying Tagovailoa "can actually sling it" referenced the criticisms his quarterback endured before this season. When the running back arrived in Miami, he learned Tagovailoa could "actually sling it," despite what earlier criticisms indicated.

"I don't know why people are doubting [Tagovailoa] and his ability, [and I wasn't saying] that Jimmy G can't sling the rock or anything like that," Mostert said. "I would never, ever in a million years talk down on a player, specifically a guy like Jimmy, just because we've grown together all those years when I was there. My family is his family. His family is like my family."

Mostert also explained his comment that the Dolphins have more talent than his former squad.

"In regards to 'We have more talent here,' I was speaking in terms of we have more talent here, right now, at this moment, than what has been here in the past," Mostert shared. "I can see how that can be misconstrued, just because you can only take certain snippets out of what one person said and alter it in a way that it just seems like it's relevant in the fact that I'm on a different team. No, that's not what I meant.

"Come on, I was with the Niners for several years, and I know exactly what the talent is. There's unbelievable talent on both sides of the ball, and even on special teams, so I wasn't trying to take shots or digs on anyone."

You can listen to the entire conversation with Mostert below.