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Mike McDaniel Reveals Crucial Injury Update on Dolphins RB De'Von Achane

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 1:29 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a bit of a crossroads entering the 2025 season. They made the playoffs the first two years of the Mike McDaniel era, but lost in the wild-card round. During the 2024 campaign, they missed the postseason completely, potentially putting McDaniel on the hot seat.

But if the Dolphins are to undergo a quick turnaround, they'll be looking toward many of their offensive stars. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the passing game, especially veteran receiver Tyreek Hill, will be under a microscope. But to succeed, Miami must have a dynamic run game as well.

If healthy, De'Von Achane is expected to lead the Dolphins' rushing attack. But for three weeks as he battled a calf injury, that didn't look to be the case. On Monday however, Achane finally made his return to practice. Assuming he doesn't suffer a setback, McDaniel is expecting him to suit up in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, via Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network.

Dolphins RB De’Von Achane will practice today for 1st time since suffering calf injury 3 weeks ago. HC Mike McDaniel says if Achane doesn’t have any setbacks he will play Sunday vs. Colts.

Tyreek Hill (oblique) & Darren Waller (return to football) on track to play too.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 1, 2025

What De'Von Achane offers Dolphins

The Dolphins finished the 2024 campaign ranked 21st in rushing, averaging 105.6 yards per game. Miami knows that if it wants to get back into the playoffs, it needs to shoot up the rankings. But at the same time, the Dolphins are confident Achane has what it takes to lead the pack.

A third-round pick in 2023, Achane immediately burst onto the scene. Over his 103 carries, he ran for 800 yards and eight touchdowns. While his 7.8 yards per carry was obviously unsustainable, Achane proved to be a dynamic force with the ball in his hands.

During the 2024 campaign, the running back gained 907 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. If Miami commits to establishing the run, and Achane can stay healthy, it's easy to project his numbers improving during the 2025 campaign.

At the same time, the running back has proven to be a key target for Tagovailoa in the passing game. Achane caught 78 passes for 592 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, all career-highs. Alongside his work on the ground, the running back will be asked to carry a major load through the air.

First and foremost, McDaniel wants to ensure that Achane is healthy. But assuming he comes away from practice unscathed, he'll be reintroduced to the offense. The Dolphins are well aware they're much stronger with Achane on the field.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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