Miami Dolphins Place RB De’Von Achane on Injured Reserve with Knee Injury
In a recent development, the Miami Dolphins have made the decision to place running back De’Von Achane on injured reserve (IR) due to a knee injury, as reported by multiple sources. This unfortunate news means that Achane will be sidelined for a minimum of four games. During this period, the Dolphins are scheduled to face off against the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Fortunately, the Dolphins have a bye week in Week 10, which allows Achane some additional time to recover. He is expected to make his return in Week 11 when the team hosts the Las Vegas Raiders.
The knee injury was sustained during the Dolphins’ victory against the New York Giants on Sunday. However, coach Mike McDaniel has chosen not to disclose the exact moment when the injury occurred.
Since being drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Achane has played a crucial role in the Dolphins’ impressive 4-1 start to the season. In just four games, he has managed to score an astounding seven touchdowns.
Achane’s exceptional performance this season has not gone unnoticed by fans and critics alike. The impact he has had on the Dolphins’ offense is undeniable, backed by various metrics. He currently ranks first in the NFL for Expected Points Added per target/rush, boasting an impressive rate of 0.50 (based on a minimum of 25 touches this season). This rate is twice as high as the next closest player. Additionally, Achane leads in EPA per carry with a remarkable rate of 0.61. The closest competitor in this category is D’Andre Swift of the Philadelphia Eagles with a rate of 0.22. Achane’s explosive potency has truly been remarkable.
Despite the absence of Achane, the Dolphins still possess a formidable weapon in their backfield with Raheem Mostert, who ranks fourth in the league for target/rush rate and sixth for rush rate. However, there is no denying the impact that Achane has had during his early NFL career.
In his latest game against the Giants, Achane once again showcased his immense talent by recording an impressive 151 yards on just 11 carries. This outstanding performance earned him a place in NFL history as the second player ever to score seven touchdowns in his first four games, joining the ranks of Bill Paschal from the New York Giants in 1943. Achane’s blazing speed was on full display during a sensational 76-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, where he hit a staggering speed of 21.76 mph, ranking as the third-fastest speed recorded by any NFL player this season. The combination of Achane’s speed, along with that of wide receiver Tyreek Hill and running back Raheem Mostert, has allowed the Dolphins’ offense to operate at a historic pace throughout the season.
In the current campaign, Achane has already accumulated an impressive 460 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Additionally, he has contributed 67 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
As fans eagerly await Achane’s return to the field, it remains to be seen how the Dolphins will adjust their offensive strategy without their star running back. Nevertheless, the team is determined to continue their strong start to the season and aim for victory in upcoming games.
(Photo: Sam Navarro / USA Today)