The Miami Dolphins lost to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, dropping to 0-3 on the year but it was another loss that will impact the team for the remainder of the season. After leaving Sunday’s game in the first quarter, Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achance was officially placed on injured reserve on Monday due to a torn ACL. Miami will be without the central point of their offensive attack for the remainder of the season.
Achane was injured when he was tackled awkwardly by the head, twisting around
his left knee. He was slow to get up after the 11-yard run, then spent time on the sideline before heading back into the locker room. After the game, head coach Jeff Hafley said he was not “optimistic” about Achane’s injury, with the ACL report coming Monday morning to confirm that lack of optimism.
Palm Beach Post reporter Joe Schad called the loss of Achane “crippling” in his “Overreaction Monday” article. He went on to explain:
De’Von Achane is the best Dolphins player, by far. It’s possible he could have single-handedly provided a couple of extra victories this season. Jaylen Wright and/or Ollie Gordon II have the speed and power to be solid backup NFL running backs. They do not have the dynamic, explosive ability or pass-catching ability of Achane, which will likely hurt Malik Willis. Losing Achane to a season-ending torn ACL is the worst possible scenario for coach Jeff Hafley only three weeks into the season. Wright said before the season that he has matured. It will be interesting to see what he does with a big opportunity. Hafley has said Wright is a good scheme fit. I also wonder if Dolphins practice squad RB Jarquez Hunter (Auburn), who played five games with Rams in 2025, gets a shot now as Miami’s receiving back. He had 68 catches in college. He runs a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash.
Welcome to the Splash Zone, a collection of Dolphins stories from around the web curated for you each morning. You can check out the Achane story and more right here:
Miami Dolphins overreaction Monday: De’Von Achane (ACL) loss crippling – Joe Schad, The Palm Beach Post
The Miami Dolphins are 0-3 after a 24-10 home-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
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De’Von Achane injury
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Miami Dolphins’ Jeff Hafley, on De’Von Achane: ‘My heart breaks’ – Hal Habib, The Palm Beach Post
Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley met with reporters Monday (Sept. 28), shortly after reports came out that running back De’Von Achane was lost for the season with a torn ACL.
What Now for the Dolphins Offense with the Bad Achane News Now Official – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins waived one of their training camp surprises
Achane to IR Highlights Series of Dolphins Moves – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
The Miami Dolphins waived one of their training camp surprises
Chiefs vs. Dolphins review
Four Winners And Four Losers in Dolphins Week 3 Loss – Jake Gibson, Miami Dolphins on SI
If you believe in moral victories, there were some solid performances to take away from this game for the Dolphins.
Snaps counts, grades, tidbits, on Dolphins offense/defense. And a Willis issue – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
Last season, no NFL quarterback was more accurate on deep passes than Malik Willis, albeit in a limited sample size.
Grading the Dolphins: Surprise Groups with High Marks? – Tyler Carmona, Miami Dolphins on SI
Positional report card for the performance in the 24-10 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs
Dolphins lose De’Von Achane, yet find reason for optimism vs. Chiefs – Hal Habib, The Palm Beach Post
This probably isn’t what you want to hear, not on a day like this, but it is what you need to hear.
Miami Dolphins 2026 Week 3 Snap Counts Stories: Secondary Shake-Ups, Gordon’s Busy Day – Alain Poupart, Miami Dolphins on SI
Diving into the playing time against the Kansas City Chiefs and the implications for Ollie Gordon II, Zayne Anderson, JuJu Brents, and others
Roughing penalty on Dolphins’ Chop Robinson against Patrick Mahomes stirs debate – David Furones, South Florida Sun Sentinel
The roughing-the-passer penalty on Miami Dolphins edge rusher Chop Robinson in the second half of Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs has been the subject of significant debate.
Malik Willis
Dolphins are going to need more from Malik Willis – Omar Kelly, Miami Herald
Plenty of this week’s focus will be placed on who fills De’Von Achane’s massive shoes, picking up the slack created by the Miami Dolphins losing its Pro Bowler tailback to a season-ending ACL injury.
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ICYMI – The Phinsider News and Updates
De’Von Achane injury: Dolphins lose running back for season – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
Dolphins running back De’Von Achane is out for the year following his Week 3 injury.
Miami Dolphins excluded from the NFL Coat of Arms – Paul Fields, The Phinsider
I watched yesterday’s game where the Miami Dolphins fell to the KC Chiefs 10-10 and the NFL referees 14-0. The combined score was KC/NFL Refs 24 – Miami/out of favors 10. I can’t even talk about the Dolphins performance until I unpack the completed slanted officiating.
Fins Up, Fins Down | Winners and losers from Miami Dolphins week three loss – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Chris Bell takes over lead receiver duties while Miami loses De’Von Achane to knee injury.
De’Von Achane injury: What free agents are available for Miami Dolphins? – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins could be in the market for a free agent running back after a season-ending injury to De’Von Achane.
Dolphins vs. Vikings odds: Opening lines for Week 4 matchup – Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins open as road underdogs to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4.
The Good, Bad & Ugly from the Miami Dolphins Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Dolphins lose Achane to injury while falling to Chiefs at home.
The Phinsider Mailbag a late Week 3 release – Kevin Nogle and Marek Brave, The Phinsider
A late release for our Week 3 mailbag.
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