Jeff Hafley Talks Achane, Dolphins Injuries and Vikings Matchup

Jeff Hafley Talks Achane, Dolphins Injuries and Vikings Matchup

Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley met with the media Wednesday as his team began preparations for another difficult matchup, this time against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.

With Miami dealing with the season-ending loss of De’Von Achane and sitting at 0-3, much of Hafley’s message centered on development, dealing with adversity, and the continued growth of the Dolphins’ young roster.

Dolphins Sorting Out Running Back Situation

With Achane out, Miami will have to reshuffle its backfield.

Hafley said the Dolphins will evaluate Jarquez Hunter and Carlos Washington before deciding which player will be elevated to provide the team with a third running back on game day.

There was at least some positive news regarding Jaylen Wright.

Wright will return to practice on a limited basis as Miami works him back, while Caleb Douglas will not practice. Hafley said the Dolphins will continue to evaluate Douglas on a day-to-day basis.

Hafley Discusses Achane’s Recovery

Hafley also addressed how Achane is handling his significant knee injury.

While Hafley declined to get into the specifics of how the injury occurred, he said Achane has maintained a good attitude. However, Hafley stressed that recovering from a serious injury isn’t simply a physical process.

“We got to make sure that he’s doing okay and that’s very important to me,” Hafley said.

Hafley acknowledged there will likely be difficult days ahead for Achane and said the organization needs to be there to support him throughout both the physical and mental aspects of his recovery.

Dolphins Facing Another Undefeated Opponent

Miami’s schedule hasn’t provided many opportunities for an inexperienced roster to ease into the season.

The Dolphins’ first four opponents have all entered their matchup with Miami at 3-0, and Hafley views that level of competition as both challenging and beneficial for his young team.

Hafley said the Dolphins have embraced the challenge and are trying to approach each week with a “1-0” mentality rather than looking ahead or dwelling on previous results.

More importantly, he believes the experience of facing quality teams and individual players is helping Miami’s young roster improve.

“I think we’re gaining experience and we’re getting better because of that, and that’s important,” Hafley said.

Aaron Brewer‘s Hustle Represents What Hafley Wants to Build

One of Hafley’s favorite moments from the Chiefs game didn’t involve a touchdown or turnover.

It was center Aaron Brewer racing downfield on Chris Bell‘s 44-yard catch and run.

Hafley said the play was one of the first clips he showed during the team’s meeting. To Hafley, having players pursue the action even when they aren’t directly involved represents the culture he is trying to establish.

“When you hit the pause button, how close you are, in my opinion, to your teammate shows how much you love and respect your teammate,” Hafley said.

Seeing Brewer and rookie Kadyn Proctor running downfield stood out to Hafley as an example of the effort and toughness he wants throughout the roster.

Hafley Encouraged by Kadyn Proctor’s Development

Proctor also earned praise for his physical play against Kansas City, including his role in helping push Ollie Gordon into the end zone.

Hafley said Miami’s offensive line is beginning to communicate better and play more cohesively. There remains plenty of room for improvement, but Hafley is willing to live with some mistakes if they’re accompanied by physicality, toughness and effort.

That’s especially true for a player such as Proctor, who is only 21 years old and already being tested against some of the NFL’s better opponents.

“If we can just keep developing him and getting better, like a lot of these guys on this team, it’s going to eventually get going,” Hafley said. “He’s going to be a huge part of it.”

Brian Flores’ Defense Presents Another Major Test

The young offensive line won’t get much of a break against Minnesota.

After dealing with Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive Chiefs defense, Miami now faces a Brian Flores defense known for pressure, disguise and creating confusion before the snap.

Hafley believes facing Kansas City could help prepare his offense for what it will see this week.

But beating Minnesota’s pressure won’t fall exclusively on the offensive line.

Hafley stressed that Malik Willis, the running backs, receivers, tight ends and offensive line all must communicate and understand their assignments. Playing in a loud road environment makes that communication even more important.

Hafley knows Flores from his time at Boston College and praised the former Dolphins head coach as a play caller.

“I think he’s a great play caller and he’s done a tremendous job there,” Hafley said.

Jordyn Brooks Helping Jacob Rodriguez

Miami’s youth movement has also created opportunities for veteran players to take on leadership roles.

Hafley singled out Jordyn Brooks for the way he has helped rookie Jacob Rodriguez.

According to Hafley, Brooks and Rodriguez arrive at 6:30 each morning to go over the game plan with the coaching staff. They also spend time together away from the facility.

Hafley called Brooks a tremendous leader and communicator for a defense featuring several young players.

Dolphins Preparing for Justin Jefferson

The Dolphins aren’t taking any chances when it comes to preparing for Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Regardless of questions surrounding Jefferson’s availability, Hafley said Miami will prepare as though he’s going to play.

“Premier players require attention,” Hafley said.

Hafley also made it clear Minnesota’s passing game extends beyond Jefferson. He praised Jordan Addison, calling him one of the NFL’s most underrated receivers, while also highlighting Jauan Jennings and the rest of Minnesota’s offensive weapons.

Hafley also has a long relationship with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, whom he considers one of his better friends in the NFL and one of the league’s top offensive play callers.

Greg Dulcich Should Have a Bigger Role

After Greg Dulcich’s increased involvement against Kansas City, Hafley hopes that’s something the Dolphins can continue.

“Greg needs to be more involved in the offense as we go,” Hafley said.

Hafley praised Dulcich’s talent and ability after the catch and indicated the tight end’s increased production could become a bigger part of Miami’s offense moving forward.

Hafley Sees Progress Despite 0-3 Start

The results haven’t arrived yet, but Hafley’s comments continue to make clear what Miami is emphasizing during this developmental season.

The Dolphins are putting young players into difficult situations against some of the NFL’s better teams and asking them to learn quickly. Hafley sees signs of improvement in Proctor, the offensive line, Miami’s secondary and several other young players.

Now the Dolphins face another major challenge against a 3-0 Vikings team.

For Hafley, the focus remains the same: keep developing, keep competing, and try to go 1-0 this week.