Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane will likely be sidelined for a week, if not longer, because of a calf injury, head coach Mike McDaniel said Monday.
Achane is still targeted to be ready in time for the season opener on Sept. 7, but he already sat out last Thursday's joint practice with the Detroit Lions and their preseason game Sunday because of the injury likely sustained in their joint practice Wednesday.
"(A) calf is the one we have to be super proactive (about), especially with explosive
players. We don't want to have a long strenuous nagging issues," McDaniel said. "(Resting Achane) is more preventative in nature. All trainers across the league have horror stories with calves if you're too aggressive."
The Dolphins have one remaining preseason game at home Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. They open the regular season on the road against the Indianapolis Colts.
They already have lost running back Alexander Mattison for the season due to a neck injury. Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright have been competing for backup roles. Veterans Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin were signed last week after Mattison's injury.
Achane, 23, had 203 carries for 907 yards and six touchdowns, and caught 78 passes on 87 targets for 592 yards and six TDs in 17 regular-season games (16 starts) last season.
As a rookie in 2023, Achane rushed 103 times for 800 yards and eight TDs, and had 27 receptions for 197 yards and three scores in 11 games (four starts).
Miami selected Achane in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Also Monday, McDaniel said that defensive lineman Zach Sieler (undisclosed injury) will return to practice this week, and that formerly retired tight end Darren Waller's return from the physically unable to perform list is still to be determined.
Miami hosted free agent outside linebacker Matt Judon, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, on Monday.
--Field Level Media
