De'Von Achane's injury adds to growing concerns for Dolphins offense

The Miami Dolphins offense has been viewed as one big question mark throughout the NFL offseason. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's concerning injury history, combined with inconsistent play from both receivers Waddle and Tyreek Hill, has this once-humming 'Phins offense searching for answers. Now, though, the franchise may have concerns outside of the passing game, as well. 

Easily the most promising cog of Miami's offense, third-year running back De'Von Achane has been the team's not-so-secret weapon since bursting onto the scene in 2023. But with the regular season kicking off soon, the 23-year-old's Week 1 availability is suddenly in question.

Head coach Mike McDaniel informed reporters on Saturday following Miami's preseason bout in Detroit that Achane has a soft tissue lower-body injury, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. While McDaniel did share that the ailment will sideline Achane between "days and weeks," he isn't yet worried about Achane's chances of suiting up for Miami's first contest against the Indianapolis Colts.

McDaniel's lack of a clear timetable makes it difficult not to at least consider the possibility that Achane misses regular-season action. While all signs currently point to Achane being healthy in Week 1, it would be disastrous for the Dolphins if he were to miss any extra time.

Gone are the days of Raheem Mostert providing reliable production alongside Achane. In 2025, Miami's backfield is a barren wasteland behind their workhorse, who is expected to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards for the first time this season.

Behind Achane, the Dolphins will feature third-year back Jaylen Wright, who contributed just 249 yards on 68 attempts last year. Behind Wright, there's even less experience. Miami drafted Oklahoma State standout Ollie Gordon III in the sixth round, but the franchise likely didn't plan on utilizing him much this year. With Alexander Mattison on season-ending IR, the only other backs on the Dolphins roster are Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin, neither of whom topped 100 yards in 2024. 

Even if the Dolphins plan to continue their pass-happy offensive tendencies, the team won't be able to survive long without Achane this time around. Wright showed promise as a change-of-pace backup, but nothing more. If he's relied on to take starting reps at any point this season, Miami could be in trouble.

Achane managed to play all 17 games in 2024, but injury concerns are nothing new for him. He missed six contests in 2023 following a knee injury, but Mostert was available to fill in admirably. This year, the Dolphins will be hard-pressed to find a second back who can produce even half of what the 33-year-old did. 

Uncertainty surrounded the 'Phins offense long before Achane's injury was announced. But if his ailment proves to be more serious than initially reported, nothing about the Dolphins will be uncertain; Everyone will know that they're a below-average team.