Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel offered some clarity on rookie running back De’Von Achane’s knee injury.
The head coach confirmed Achane’s placement on injured reserve, knocking him out for at least the team’s next four games.
De’Von Achane to IR confirms Mike McDaniel. McDaniel says it’s “not grave” but he’s not going to directly say if it’s correct to call it a “sprain.” McDaniel also declining multiple surgery questions. pic.twitter.com/Mwmrfb1txw
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 11, 2023
McDaniel believes that this is the best move for Achane and the team, even though it isn’t obvious. That could be a good sign for Achane’s chances of returning after four weeks if the team was contemplating keeping him off of injured reserve.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel says De’Von Achane will go on injured reserve — says it wasn’t an obvious decision but he and GM Chris Grier decided it was the best thing for the team and the player
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) October 11, 2023
McDaniel said Achane’s knee injury wasn’t “grave” but didn’t comment on the specific severity
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) October 11, 2023
The Dolphins could have an immediate replacement for Achane, as the team activated the practice window for running back Jeff Wilson Jr.
Mike McDaniel says Jeff Wilson will practice with the Dolphins today.
— Dolphin Nation (@Dolphin_Nation) October 11, 2023
Wilson missed the team’s first five games after being placed on injured reserve. It’s possible that he could return in Week 6 if he’s able to practice all week.
Achane, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been on fire for the Dolphins over the last three weeks. He’s scored seven touchdowns for the team over that stretch and amassed 460 rushing yards on 38 carries in four total games this season.
The rookie is leading the NFL in yards per carry (12.1) and rushing yards per game (115.0) this season. That’s extremely impressive when one considers that Achane ran the ball just one time for five yards in the team’s Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots.
Losing Achane and his big-play ability is certainly a blow to the Miami offense, but Raheem Mostert has played well in the 2023 season.
The veteran has racked up seven rushing touchdowns in five games, and he’s turned his 58 carries this season into 314 yards (5.4 yards per carry). He likely will handle the duties as the team’s lead back with Achane out.
Wilson could also provide Miami with a boost in the backfield. In eight games with the Dolphins last season, Wilson carried the ball 84 times for 392 yards and three touchdowns. He also made 12 receptions for 94 yards and a score.
The Dolphins have dominated on offense this season, and they’ll hope to keep that going without Achane for the next four weeks. Hopefully, the rookie will be able to return and contribute to the team down the stretch.
