Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel met with the media on Monday and confirmed the team could soon see rookie running back De’Von Achane back on the field. Achane has been on injured reserve since sustaining a knee injury against the New York Giants in early October. McDaniel indicated the injury was a “strain-type injury” and that nothing was torn in the knee and that the team has been very conservative in their rehabilitation process for the rookie. McDaniel indicated the team has now designated Achane for return from injured reserve, officially opening the running back’s 21-day practice window. The team now has three weeks to either activate him, bringing him back to the 53-man roster or leave him on the IR list for the remainder of the season. The goal has been for Achane to return for this weekend’s Week 11 game and things seem to indicate that is still in play as Miami prepares to face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Achane was a third-round pick by Miami in this year’s NFL Draft, joining the team out of Texas A&M. He started the season down on the depth chart, but quickly made an impact once he dd get on the field. In his first appearance, he only had one carry for five yards against the New England Patriots in Week 2, but then exploded with 18 carries for 203 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos. In his four games played this season, Achane has 460 rushing yards on 38 attempts, giving him a ridiculous 12.1 yards per attempt average. He has five rushing touchdowns.
Good news. I'm surprised Coach said that his return was likely this early in the week. Usually, NFL coaches keep those statements close to the vest and announce them on Friday (or at game time). It'll be good to bring that element back to the offense which seems off-balance of late.
They immediately missed his speed to the runs on the perimeter and he's inherently just more slippery than Salvon Ahmed.
I think it's a smart move because it makes the Raiders prepare for <what would have been> the league's leading RB. Then they'll probably use him sparingly as Tua gets to work with the Cheetah and the Penguin.
