Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane playing in Week 12 against the New York Jets would be at least a “mild surprise” after he aggravated his knee injury in Week 11.
Achane, who missed four games on injured reserve with the knee injury, left the Dolphins’ win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11 early on and did not return.
“I was told that Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (knee) playing Friday vs. the Jets would be at least a mild surprise,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote. “Achane reaggravated the knee injury that put him on injured reserve at midseason, and though there’s no major damage, the Dolphins have been cautious with him.”
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided an update on Achane’s status earlier in the week. While the rookie running back won’t need surgery on his knee injury, McDaniel did not guarantee whether or not he would play in Week 12.
The Dolphins are on a bit of a short week in Week 12, as they play the Jets on Friday. That could make it tougher for Achane to get back on the field. Miami’s Week 13 game is on Sunday, Dec. 3 against the Washington Commanders.
Losing Achane for a significant period of time would be a major blow to Miami’s offense, so it makes sense that the team might be trying to be cautious with the explosive youngster.
In just five games this season, Achane has rushed for 461 yards and five touchdowns. The most impressive part about those numbers is that Achane received just one carry in Week 2 against the New England Patriots (rushing for five yards) and one carry in Week 11 (rushing for one yard).
So, the Dolphins running back totaled 455 rushing yards across three weeks when he was fully involved in the team’s offense.
Achane has also been a threat as a receiver, reeling in 10 of his 12 targets on the season for 71 yards and two touchdowns. His big-play ability has given Miami yet another weapon on an offense that already features Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert.
The Dolphins may not need Achane to get past a New York team that has lost three straight games and will be starting Tim Boyle at quarterback on Friday.
However, Miami is certainly hoping the 22-year-old can get healthy for the stretch run as it looks to compete for a Super Bowl.
