Dolphins begin practice window for running back De'Von Achane

The Miami Dolphins are activating the 21-day practice window for injured running back De’Von Achane this week, head coach Mike McDaniels announced on Monday. Now that the practice window is open, Achane can return to the active roster at any time. However, if he’s not back on the active roster within 21 days, he’ll have to remain on Injured Reserve.

Achane suffered a knee injury in the Dolphins’ Week 5 game against the Giants. The injury was severe enough to require a move to IR but he’s returning right on schedule after four missed games. Since he’s been out, the Dolphins have won two games and lost two games. Fellow running back Raheem Mostert has 109 carries with 605 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

Prior to going out with the injury, Achane ran for 151 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries in the win over New York. At the time of his injury, he had 460 rushing yards, which was second in the NFL behind only Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers in rushing yards through five games (510). The 21-year-old has just 38 carries so far this season. However, he also has seven touchdowns, including two receiving touchdowns.

Achane exploded in Week 3 prior to injury

The rookie third-rounder missed the first week of NFL games due to a shoulder injury that he sustained during the preseason. He worked his way back into the rotation by Week 2, carrying the ball just once for a five-yard game against the Patriots. The former Aggie had a breakout game in Week 3, posting two touchdowns on 18 carries, plus another two touchdowns on four receptions.

The rapid ascension of Achane stood out to his teammates, specifically quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

“The coolest thing about someone like him being a rookie is just who he is as a person,” Tagovailoa said earlier this season. “How you see him on the sideline — just chill, relaxed. That’s who he is, and that’s how he is in the huddle. To be able to go in the huddle and see someone like that, it’s very promising to know that … basically, if he’s getting the ball, you know it’s going to be a big play more often than not.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for that guy, and I think a lot of guys around the league have a lot of respect for him as well. The cool thing about it is like he doesn’t take heed to listening to any of that. Just a humble guy. Just coming into work, doing what he needs to help the team win.”

The Dolphins selected Achane with the No. 84 overall pick (third round) in the 2023 NFL Draft. If he returns this week, he’ll face the Raiders at home on Sunday.