Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided an extremely positive update on rookie running back De’Von Achane.
The Dolphins are entering their bye week, but Achane is eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders. McDaniel seems to think that Achane will be good to go for Miami in that matchup.
Achane "so far, so good" and "hasn't been any reason" to think he will be on IR longer. Eligible to return in next game.
Rob Jones was set to get an MRI today on yperextended knee. Nothing yet on that, per McDaniel.— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) November 6, 2023
This is great news for the Dolphins, as Achane is yet another weapon that Miami can use – especially after the team’s offense struggled in Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany.
Achane, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, provided Miami a massive spark before going down with his knee issue. He’s scored seven touchdowns (five rushing, two receiving) for the team this season and amassed 460 rushing yards on 38 carries in four total games.
Even though Achane had just one carry for five yards in his first game against the New England Patriots in Week 2, he still is averaging 115.0 rushing yards per game this season and 12.1 yards per carry.
Against Denver in Week 3, Achane tallied a season-high 203 rushing yards on 18 carries. He has elite speed that makes him a threat for a big play every time he touches the ball.
Achane has also shown he is a capable receiver for Miami, catching nine passes for 67 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
With Achane on injured reserve the last few games, the Dolphins have leaned on Raheem Mostert, Salvon Ahmed and Jeff Wilson Jr. in the backfield.
Mostert has been great this season, tallying 605 rushing yards in nine games, including a league-high 11 rushing touchdowns. However, having Achane to complement him in the backfield only makes the Dolphins more dangerous.
Miami is looking to rest up during the bye week before the team takes on the Raiders in Week 11. While the Dolphins are 6-0 against teams that are below .500 this season, they have gone 0-3 against teams that are over .500 (Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills).
Hopefully, a playmaker like Achane is just what the team needs to compete with some of the best teams in the NFL.
Since the Bills lost in Week 9, Miami is still in first place in the AFC East heading into its bye week.
