MIAMI GARDENS — The surprise dose of good news that theMiami Dolphins hoped for didn’t arrive the day after the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Instead, tests confirmed that team MVP De’Von Achane had torn his ACL, ending his season after only two-plus games.
The Dolphins made it official Monday afternoon, placing Achane on injured reserve even before surgery is scheduled. The move puts the running game in the hands of Jaylen Wright, whom coach Jeff Hafley said is day to day with a stinger and foot injuries, and Ollie Gordon II, who was pressed into a workhorse role with 17 carries in the 24-10 loss to the Chiefs.
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But before anyone could focus on how to press forward, there was the realization that the Dolphins
would be without a player ranked 26th on the list of the league’s top 100 players by his peers, a back who had a combined 1,838 yards from scrimmage last season.
“My heart breaks for the guy,” Hafley said. “You talk about him as a great player, but since I've gotten to know him, watching him grow and develop, earning the captain role, becoming a leader of the team, becoming such great energy, such a great teammate … I mean, I just, I love his energy, I love his enthusiasm, I love his positivity.”
That positivity may have given fans a false read on the severity of the injury, suffered on just his third carry against the Chiefs. Achane appeared on the sideline in the second half without an ice pack on his knee, seemingly having upbeat conversations with teammates. As fans hoped for the best, the mood quickly turned when Hafley took the postgame podium to address reporters and said “it does not sound very optimistic at this moment.” It's not the kind of language NFL coaches toss out lightly.
Hafley admitted he will have to tweak his offensive scheme after losing one of the top dual-threat backs in the league. But he also remains committed to the style of play he wants for this team.
“That philosophy remains,” he said. “I want to run the football. That’s important and we have the offensive line to do it. And I’ll be honest: I have a lot of confidence in those backs. So this isn’t like we can’t run the ball anymore. I mean, these are NFL players and you guys watched that game yesterday. I thought we ran the ball really well on a really good defense.”
Miami totaled 31 rushes (vs. 36 passing attempts) for 119 yards (3.7 average) and one touchdown.
“We’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing,” All-Pro center Aaron Brewer said. “Once you’re in there, it’s next man up and you’re not in the NFL for no reason.”
Malik Washington backing up Ollie Gordon, Jaylen Wright
Hafley said he and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan would discuss the possibility of adding another running back. For now, receiver/return man Malik Washington is backing up Wright and Gordon.
“My job is just to be prepared and go out there and try to help the team as best I can,” Washington said. “It’s unfortunate for De’Von. We’re praying for him, wishing a speedy recovery, but we’ve got to continue to play football.”
Like many, Washington expected Achane to reach new heights in 2026.
“We were excited for him to reach all the limits he wanted to reach this year,” Washington said, adding, “I’m excited for his future, still.”
So too is Brewer.
“He’s a great football player,” Brewer said. “He’s passionate about this. He loves the game. And so, for that to happen right now, it’s tough. But also, I’m just trying to stick by his side, keep his head up and let him know it’s just a little bump in the road.”
The Dolphins made additional roster moves as they placed Achane on IR. They waived defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr. and released edge rusher Clelin Ferrell and defensive lineman Jordan Miller from the practice squad.
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: Dolphins RB De'Von Achane put on IR before surgery to repair torn ACL
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