The Dolphins’ ground game could be in line for a boost as early as Week 11. Head coach Mike McDaniel announced on Monday that De’Von Achane has been designated for return from injured reserve.
The rookie back was placed on IR in Week 6, a move which guaranteed at least a month-long absence. Returning to practice as soon as possible represents a good sign for Achane’s prospects of playing against the Raiders in Miami’s next matchup. The Dolphins have 21 days to activate him to avoid having him revert to season-ending IR.
McDaniel hinted that Achane could have continued playing through his knee injury by wearing a brace, but the team understandably took a cautious approach with the 22-year-old. Achane showed considerable promise prior to being sidelined, totaling 518 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns in a span of three games. He will add another speed element to the team’s offense upon return, while giving Miami another option aside from Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson in the backfield.
The former has played a major role in the Dolphins’ offensive success, leading the league in yards per carry (5.6) and total touchdowns (13). The latter, meanwhile, has been used sparingly in his three games since being activated. As Miami looks to continue its elite showing in the ground game (averaging 148 rushing yards per contest), Achane will aim to pick up where he left off prior to the injury.
The Texas A&M product’s effectiveness both on the ground and thorough the air will give the Dolphins a number of capable options at the RB spot once at full strength. With both Mostert and Wilson only on the books through 2024 (and with no guaranteed money on their respective deals beyond this season), Achane could cement himself as a long-term fixture in the backfield with a strong showing in the second half of the season. Bringing him back will use up one of the Dolphins’ four remaining IR activations.
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