The Dolphins' attack teems with verve, with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and more all garnering praise for their exploits with the ball in their grasp over the years.
Yet, there might not be a more haunting prospect for opposition defenders than De'Von Achane rumbling down the field. The Miami tailback is one of the NFL's fastest players, blessed with swift feet and agile hips.
Achane is expected to feature prominently in the Dolphins' offense come 2025, but after a recent malady, it's unclear just when that will be.
With that, here's the latest on the soft tissue issue giving Achane and the Fins the blues in preseason.
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What is De'Von Achane's injury?
Achane is dealing with a soft tissue body injury in his lower body, head coach Mike McDaniel announced on Saturday.
Achane was held out of Miami's clash with the Lions on Saturday. He played briefly in the Dolphins' preseason opener against the Bears on Aug. 10.
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How long is De'Von Achane out?
McDaniel was coy about how much time Achane would miss, only revealing that Achane's injury is not severe and he'll miss "between days and weeks." McDaniel's comments appear to suggest that Achane will be ready to go come Miami's regular season opener against the Colts on Sept. 7. However, given his injury history and the lingering effects of soft tissue issues, he's by no means a guarantee to be ready for Week 1.
Achane figures to feature heavily in Miami's offense when healthy. He accrued 1,499 yards from scrimmage in 2024, earning plaudits for his speed and explosiveness throughout the campaign. With three weeks left before the Fins return to the field for the real thing, the hope within Miami's camp is he'll be good to serve up similar contributions from the get-go in Week 1.
Dolphins RB depth chart
If Achane were to miss some action, Miami has an assortment of tailbacks to take his place, although it's unlikely they'll be able to strike fear into opposition rearguards quite like Achane.
| RB | Player |
| 1 | De'Von Achane |
| 2 | Jaylen Wright |
| 3 | Ollie Gordon II |
| 4 | Mike Boone |
2. Jaylen Wright
Selected by the Fins in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wright tallied 249 yards on 68 carries in his rookie campaign. Like Achane, he's a noted speedster, having clocked 4.38 second 40 time at the 2024 combine.
3. Ollie Gordon II
Gordon's stock has tailed off since his wondrous 2023 season at Oklahoma State. He fell short of his career averages during his final year with the Cowboys and had to wait until the sixth round to hear his name called.
Known for his downhill running, Gordon doesn't have the fluidity of Achane or Wright. He does have thunder in his pads, however; at his best, he's a freight train capable of displacing defenders with the dip of a shoulder.
4. Mike Boone
Rounding out the list of potential replacements for Achane — in the event that he is unable to compete Week 1 — is Boone, a 30-year old tailback who has tallied 590 yards and four touchdowns across seven NFL seasons. Boone made six appearances with the Panthers last year, totaling 13 carries for 51 yards.
De'Von Achane injury history
Achane has picked up a fair few bumps and bruises over the years. In 2023, he was placed on IR with an MCL sprain, missing four games as a result. He dealt with a high ankle sprain and concussion during the 2024 season, although neither issue caused him t to miss time.