The Miami Dolphins have made an important decision regarding running back De’Von Achane suiting up for the team’s Week 2 showdown against divisional rivals, the Buffalo Bills.
Read more: De’Von Achane Injury Update: Will Dolphins RB Play Thursday Night vs Bills?
Achane appeared on the injury report earlier this week much to the dismay of fans. Even worse: fellow running back Raheem Mostert also made his way onto the injury report, and was subsequently ruled out. Losing both Mostert and Achane would have been devastating for the rushing attack for the team.
Achane was not ruled out despite suffering an ankle injury. He was listed as questionable throughout the week, but has now been given an official active status.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel initially indicated that Achane would be a game-time decision, but it appears the speedy running back was able to work his way back to lead the rushing attack.
With Mostert out, Achane will assume RB1 duties and will be backed by Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright.
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Achane and Mostert became one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 season. Both paired to create a dynamic one-two punch for the Dolphins’ ground game. That same dynamic playmaking was showcased during Sunday’s victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars but in a different way.
Mostert was hurt early on in the game, resulting in his only securing nine rushing yards. Achane would step in and add 24 yards of his own and a touchdown, but the team was led by Jeff Wilson Jr., who secured 26 yards on five carries.
Instead of Achane being used primarily in the run game, he was shifted to a more dual-threat role and was amazing in the pass-catching attack for the Dolphins. Achane ended Sunday’s contest with 76 yards.
The Dolphins had planned to transform Achane into a more pass-catching and running back weapon akin to San Francisco 49ers’ receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Christian McCaffrey. If Sunday was any indication of that success, Achane could become an even bigger weapon for Miami’s offense.
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Considering Mostert is out for Thursday’s clash with the Bills, the game plan might now be more of a traditional running back role for Achane. Still, Wilson showcased some great runs on Sunday and might help allow the Dolphins to use Achane as the dual-threat weapon he was during Week 1.
The Dolphins will have a tough task ahead of them to take down the Bills, who have won 10 of their last 11 head-to-head matchups with Miami. If the Dolphins’ defense can hold Josh Allen and the offense down, Achane, Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle could boost the team to a 2-0 start.