The Miami Dolphins reinstated rookie running back De’von Achane from injured reserve on Saturday, allowing him to play against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday after missing the previous four games due to a knee injury.
Achane hurt his knee late in a Week 5 victory over the New York Giants and was placed on injured reserve. He returned to practice as a limited participant last week. Throughout his debut season, however, he has pleased his coaches and teammates.
“Early on, he had a couple slip-ups, and we had to get on him,” veteran running back Raheem Mostert explained. “It’s finally starting to pay off for him. He’s responded well to coaching. He’s paying attention to essential parts of both the run and pass games. And he’s executing at a rapid pace, which is fantastic to see.”
Before his injury, Achane, whom the Dolphins drafted in the third round this year, was leading the NFL in yards per rush with 12.1 yards per run. In four games, he carried for 460 yards and scored seven touchdowns.
In Week 3, he had a breakout game for the Dolphins, leading the club with 203 total yards on 18 runs, 11.3 yards per effort, and four touchdowns. Achane stepped right into a bigger position in Miami’s offense and will help a rushing assault that has suffered a slight decline in performance since his injury.
The Dolphins were averaging 185.8 yards per game into Week 5, but have only ran for 100.5 yards per game since Achane’s injury. In the last four games, they have failed to gain 100 yards twice.
“We’ve all seen the things that he’s done for our offense while he’s been in,” quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said on Wednesday. “He’s a dynamic performer. He’s incredible. He understands the rules of the game. He knows where he’s going. He is aware of his responsibilities.”
The Dolphins also signed veteran receiver Robbie Chosen to their practice squad on Saturday after releasing him earlier in the week. Chosen and offensive lineman Chasen Hines were promoted to the active roster for Sunday’s game.
