Dolphins' De'Von Achane exits with knee injury vs. Chiefs

Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dolphins hope De'Von Achane's injury doesn't derail offensive plans after RB exits with knee injury vs. Chiefs

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Sep 27, 2026 4:18 PM ET

Before the season, Miami Dolphins rookie head coach Jeff Hafley joked that they're planning to give fourth-year running back De'Von Achane "40 to 45 touches a game." He may need to change their strategy.

Achane suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of Miami's Week 3 home game against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the second half, the team ruled him out.

How De'Von Achane's injury impacts Dolphins offense

The severity of Achane's knee issue remains unknown, but Miami can't ignore it, given the RB's injury history. The 2023 third-round pick missed five games during his rookie season because of a knee issue. He has also suffered a concussion and ankle injury over the course of his NFL career.

Achane, who signed a four-year, $64M contract this offseason, missing multiple games in 2026 would be even more costly than in previous seasons. The Dolphins offense is predicated on a strong ground attack, led by the one-time Pro Bowler.

Injury Update | De’Von Achane has been downgraded to out. https://t.co/nFByG3xCRl
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 27, 2026

This offseason, the Dolphins signed former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5M contract, but younger QBs have more experience than the 2022 third-round pick. Willis, 27, made his ninth start on Sunday. For context, Chicago Bears third-year QB Caleb Williams, who turns 25 on Nov. 18, has started 36 games.

Dolphins backup RB Ollie Gordon II — who had rushed for seven yards on three carries entering Sunday — doesn't generate explosive plays like Achane. Last season, he led the league in yards per carry (5.7, 1,350 yards on 238 carries).

The Dolphins hope Achane's knee issue isn't severe enough to sideline him for long. Miami's offense clearly isn't prepared for a scenario where he misses multiple games.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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