Dolphins put star rookie RB Achane (knee) on IR

Marcel Louis-Jacques, ESPNOct 11, 2023, 11:40 AM ET
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MIAMI — The Dolphins have placed running back De’Von Achane on injured reserve, sidelining the rookie standout for at least the next four games.

Achane injured a knee late in Sunday’s win over the Giants, coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday, but was able to play a few snaps after suffering the injury. McDaniel declined to say whether Achane would require surgery.

“It wasn’t like a black-and-white decision where it was obvious,” McDaniel said. “But it was something that [general manager Chris Grier] and I knew was the best thing for the team, which always coincides with being the best thing for that particular athlete.

“He’s in great hands. [His rehab] is going to be diligent. Like I said, it was not black and white whether or not to put him on IR, but just knowing all factors, we thought it was the best for the team for sure.”

Achane is currently the NFL’s second-leading rusher with 460 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 38 carries. The soonest he can return is Miami’s game against the Raiders in Week 11.

Raheem Mostert, currently the NFL’s co-leader in rushing touchdowns, will presumably take on an even larger role within the Dolphins’ offense, as will Jeff Wilson Jr. — who has spent the past four weeks on injured reserve with multiple injuries. McDaniel said Wilson’s 21-day practice window will officially open Wednesday, although his status for Sunday’s game against the Panthers is still unclear.

The Dolphins lead the league in rushing yards and are averaging 238 yards on the ground over the past three weeks, in large part due to Achane’s 455 rushing yards in that same span. McDaniel said he is confident in the team’s active players despite losing Achane’s production.

“I think that the run game is 11 different players. I know [Achane has] done an outstanding job and we’ve been very pleased with how far he’s come as a professional,” he said. “Always knew the talent was there, but he has really, really progressed and is one of the guys among veterans in the locker room. … I never really look at the run game in general as one player. He’s been making a ton of plays and has been obviously doing an outstanding job with every single one of his opportunities. But yeah, this is something that, fortunately we took measures to have a group of running backs that shoot, you guys can’t stop talking about.

“So, we’re in a fortunate situation in that regard, that I think we have multiple players at the running back position that can start in this league and can do very well within their job parameters here with the Dolphins.”

Miami will host the Panthers in Week 6, then will play the Eagles, Patriots and Chiefs before its bye week in Week 10.