The Miami Dolphins offense has been considered as one large query mark all through the NFL offseason. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s regarding harm historical past, mixed with inconsistent play from each receivers Waddle and Tyreek Hill, has this once-humming ‘Phins offense looking for solutions. Now, although, the franchise might have considerations outdoors of the passing sport, as effectively.
Simply essentially the most promising cog of Miami’s offense, third-year working again De’Von Achane has been the workforce’s not-so-secret weapon since bursting onto the scene in 2023. However with the common season kicking off quickly, the 23-year-old’s Week 1 availability is instantly in query.
Head coach Mike McDaniel knowledgeable reporters on Saturday following Miami’s preseason bout in Detroit that Achane has a smooth tissue lower-body harm, based on NFL Community’s Cameron Wolfe. Whereas McDaniel did share that the ailment will sideline Achane between “days and weeks,” he is not but fearful about Achane’s possibilities of suiting up for Miami’s first contest in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts.
McDaniel’s lack of a transparent timetable makes it tough to not not less than think about the chance that Achane misses regular-season motion. Whereas all indicators at the moment level to Achane being wholesome in Week 1, it will be disastrous for the Dolphins if he have been to overlook any further time.
Gone are the times of Raheem Mostert offering dependable manufacturing alongside Achane. In 2025, Miami’s backfield is a barren wasteland behind their workhorse, who’s expected to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards for the primary time this season.
Behind Achane, the Dolphins will characteristic third-year again Jaylen Wright, who contributed simply 249 yards on 68 makes an attempt final yr. Behind Wright, there’s even much less expertise. Miami drafted Oklahoma State standout Ollie Gordon III within the sixth spherical, however the franchise seemingly did not plan on using him a lot this yr. With Alexander Mattison on season-ending IR, the one different backs on the Dolphins roster are Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin, neither of whom topped 100 yards in 2024.
Even when the Dolphins plan to proceed their pass-happy offensive tendencies, the workforce will not have the ability to survive lengthy with out Achane this time round. Wright confirmed promise as a change-of-pace backup, however nothing extra. If he is relied on to take beginning reps at any level this season, Miami might be in hassle.
Achane managed to play all 17 video games in 2024, however harm considerations are nothing new for him. He missed six contests in 2023 following a knee harm, however Mostert was out there to fill in admirably. This yr, the Dolphins will probably be hard-pressed to discover a second again who can produce even half of what the 33-year-old did.
Uncertainty surrounded the ‘Phins offense lengthy earlier than Achane’s harm was introduced. But when his ailment proves to be extra severe than initially reported, nothing in regards to the Dolphins will probably be unsure; Everybody will know that they seem to be a below-average workforce.
