The Dolphins’ season is quickly going from bad to worse.
De’Von Achane is injured again. The star running back prematurely exited in the first quarter of the team’s eventual 24-10 loss to the Chiefs with a knee injury, and the early word is not encouraging.
‘Fins head coach Jeff Hafley addressed Achane’s injury status following the game: “To be honest with you, it does not sound optimistic.”
Hafley didn’t provide an official diagnosis for Achane’s injury or a timetable for his potential return, but his view of the situation is ominous.
Achane suffered the injury during the first quarter on an 11-yard run.
The 24-year-old initially got back to his feet after being tackled but stood still on the field with teammates around him before slowly making his way toward the sideline while favoring his left leg.
Achane entered the medical tent before heading to the locker room for further evaluation.
He was initially listed as questionable to return with a knee injury but was officially ruled out later in the contest. Achane returned to the sideline after halftime without his helmet and shoulder pads.
He finished the game with just 17 rushing yards on three carries as the Dolphins fell to 0-3 on the season.
Achane, a dynamic back for the Dolphins, signed a four-year, $64 million extension this past spring with the team.
A 2023 third-round pick in the NFL draft, the Texas A&M alum missed five games with a knee injury as a rookie but has since played all but one game since the beginning of the 2024 season.
Achane entered Sunday as Miami’s leading rusher through the first two weeks, recording 110 yards on 31 carries.
He had also been a threat through the air, pulling down seven receptions for 49 yards in the team’s first two games.
Last season, Achane erupted for 1,350 rushing yards on 238 carries, totaling eight touchdowns on the ground while recording a league-best 5.7 yards per carry.
The explosive back also caught 67 passes for 488 yards and four touchdowns.
