MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley met with reporters Wednesday (Sept. 30), as the team revved up preparations to face the host Minnesota Vikings without running back De'Von Achane, who's out for the season with an ACL tear.
Highlights:
- RB Jaylen Wright (stinger, foot) will practice today on limited basis.
- WR Caleb Douglas will not practice today.
- On Achane: "He's had a great attitude. I'm sure he's going to have some tough moments. It's challenging. I'm sure there's going to be some really hard days and then there'll be some days where he's his positive, energetic self. But we're going to have to be there for him. You know, it's whenever you go through a serious injury, it's not just a physical recovery, it's mentally. We've got to make sure he's doing OK. And that's very important to me."
Buy Miami Dolphins tickets on StubHub
- QB Malik Willis' running ability will be utilized "game by game" even without Achane.
- G Kadyn Proctor helping Ollie Gordon plunge that final yard for a touchdown: Hafley says the offensive linemen are getting better, playing together. Hafley praises the toughness, physicality. "The way he pulled him in there, I thought that was really cool."
- On the OL facing a defense coached by Brian Flores, who loves to blitz: "What helps is we just went against a blitz-crazy defense with Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) and the Chiefs. ... It's going to be a challenge for them." Hafley says it will take "all 11" to handle the blitz, not just the OL.
- Hafley said he got to know Flores when Hafley coached at Boston College, Flores' alma mater.
- On Vikings WR Justin Jefferson: "He's one of the premier players in the league. Premier players require attention." The Dolphins will game plan as if Jefferson is going to play.
- On Willis trusting TE Greg Dulcich to make that long, contested catch vs. the Chiefs: "Greg needs to be more involved in the offense as we go." Hafley smiled at the mention of the contested catch and suggests Dulcich could see more targets in the future.
Hal Habib covers the Miami Dolphins for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at HHabib@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' Jeff Hafley outlines adjustments minus De'Von Achane
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission.
Prices and availability may change.
