Rookie De’Von Achane was placed on injured reserve by the Miami Dolphins, who opened the 21-day practice window for fellow running back Jeff Wilson to return from injured reserve.
Head coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday the Dolphins are confident in the RB group for at least the next four games without Achane, the AFC’s leader in rushing yards (460).
McDaniel didn’t share details of Achane’s injury. He’s eligible to return after Miami’s Week 10 bye at the earliest.
In his absence, Raheem Mostert remains the starter but there are questions behind him. Wilson, acquired from the San Francisco 49ers last season, went on injured reserve with rib and pinkie injuries before the start of the regular season. With Wednesday’s decision to designate his return from injured reserve, the Dolphins can activate Wilson at any time over the next three weeks.
Achane underwent testing on Monday and was injured Sunday in the Dolphins’ win over the New York Giants.
If Wilson isn’t activated, Salvon Ahmed and Chris Brooks are the only other backs on the current active roster.
Miami (4-1) selected Achane, a Texas A&M product, in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He turns 22 on Friday.
Achane has five rushing touchdowns and averaged a remarkable 12.1 yards per carry in his first four NFL games — he was inactive Week 1. He has combined with Mostert for 12 rushing touchdowns and 774 rushing yards this season.
Achane’s 460 yards are second in the NFL to San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (510).
Achane had 11 carries for 151 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s win over the Giants. The TD was a 76-yard dash down the left sideline with Achane easily pulling away from defenders in pursuit. He briefly left the game but returned in the 31-16 victory.
Mostert appears to be headed for a bigger share of the work when the Dolphins host the Carolina Panthers (0-5) on Sunday.
–Field Level Media
