Miami Dolphins Place Running Back De’Von Achane on Injured Reserve
The Miami Dolphins have made the decision to place running back De’Von Achane on injured reserve due to a knee injury, according to multiple reports. This means that Achane will miss at least four games, including matchups against the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs. However, he will be eligible to return in Week 11 when the Dolphins host the Las Vegas Raiders, as the team has a bye in Week 10.
Achane sustained the knee injury during Sunday’s victory over the New York Giants, although coach Mike McDaniel has not disclosed the exact moment it occurred. The third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has played a crucial role in Miami’s impressive 4-1 start to the season, scoring seven touchdowns in just four games.
Achane’s impact on the Dolphins’ offense has been nothing short of remarkable. In fact, he currently leads the NFL in Expected Points Added (EPA) per target/rush with a rate of 0.50, which is twice as much as the next closest player. Additionally, he ranks first in EPA per carry with a rate of 0.61. These metrics highlight Achane’s efficiency and effectiveness on the field. D’Andre Swift of the Philadelphia Eagles is the next closest player with a 0.22 rate.
Despite Achane’s absence, the Dolphins still have a potent weapon in the backfield with Raheem Mostert, who ranks fourth in the league with a 0.17 target/rush rate and sixth with a 0.14 rush rate. However, there is no denying the explosiveness and impact that Achane has brought to the team in his early NFL career.
In Sunday’s game, Achane recorded an impressive 151 yards on just 11 carries, making him the second player in NFL history to score seven touchdowns in his first four games, joining Bill Paschal of the Giants in 1943. He showcased his speed by reaching a top speed of 21.76 mph on a 76-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, which is the third-fastest speed recorded by any NFL player this season. Achane’s speed, along with wide receiver Tyreek Hill and running back Raheem Mostert, has allowed the Dolphins’ offense to operate at a historic pace this season.
So far this season, Achane has accumulated 460 rushing yards and five touchdowns, in addition to 67 receiving yards and two touchdowns. His contributions have been instrumental in the Dolphins’ success, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt during his time on injured reserve.
In conclusion, the Miami Dolphins have made the difficult decision to place running back De’Von Achane on injured reserve due to a knee injury. This means he will miss at least four games but will be eligible to return in Week 11. Achane’s impact on the team has been significant, leading the league in several key metrics and playing a crucial role in the Dolphins’ strong start to the season. His absence will be felt, but the team still possesses other talented players in the backfield. The Dolphins will need to adjust and find ways to continue their success without Achane on the field.