The Miami Dolphins may have picked up a crucial win over the New York Jets, but they didn’t come out of it unscathed. Running back De’Von Achane, the lightning bolt in Miami’s backfield, left the game with a rib injury and is now questionable for next week’s Monday night matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Head coach Mike McDaniel provided some clarity after the game, noting that Achane was technically available to return in an emergency, but the team opted to play it safe.
“He was hurting, but he was available to come back in the game in an emergency,” McDaniel said. “You worry about breaks - that takes time.
Didn’t see that, but he will be getting treatment. He was available to come back in the game.
I just chose not to put him in.”
That decision speaks volumes. It’s not just about protecting a player - it’s about protecting the player.
Achane has racked up 1,034 rushing yards this season and has been the heartbeat of Miami’s ground attack. His explosiveness out of the backfield has added a dynamic layer to an offense already known for its speed and creativity.
Losing him, even temporarily, would be a significant blow.
The Dolphins will run more tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the injury, but the silver lining is the schedule. With their next game set for Monday night, Achane gets an extra day of rest and treatment - and in December, every extra hour counts.
That extra day could be the difference between suiting up or sitting out. And make no mistake, Miami needs him.
The Dolphins are riding a late-season surge, now sitting at 6-7 after clawing their way back from the brink of playoff irrelevance. Every game from here on out is essentially a must-win, and having Achane on the field increases their odds - not just because of his stats, but because of what he does to opposing defenses.
He forces them to account for his speed on every snap, opening up the field for the rest of the offense.
If Achane can go, even at less than 100%, it changes the game plan. If he can’t, Miami will have to dig deeper into its running back rotation - and that’s a tall order against a Steelers defense that thrives on physicality and limiting big plays.
For now, the Dolphins are in wait-and-see mode. But as they prepare for a critical Monday night showdown, all eyes in South Florida will be on No. 28 and whether he’s ready to roll.