The Miami Dolphins eagerly await the return of their promising rookie running back, De’Von Achane. After a four-game hiatus due to a knee injury, Achane is back on the practice field, signaling his imminent return to the main roster.

The talented young speedster sustained the injury during a victorious clash against the New York Giants in Week 5 but has since shown remarkable recovery progress. Coach Mike McDaniel has reassured fans that Achane’s injury was not as severe as initially feared, and the decision to place him on injured reserve was to ensure optimal healing. Dolphins fans, and Achane fantasy football owners, can now breathe a sigh of relief as the rookie’s return is on the horizon.

Achane’s Stellar Performance Pre-Injury

Before his unfortunate injury, Achane made a name for himself in the NFL. His exceptional performance in the early season was a testament to his talent and potential. Achane, who the Dolphins picked up in the third round of this year’s draft, was leading the NFL with a whopping 12.1 yards per carry before his injury. He had rushed for 460 yards and scored seven touchdowns in just four games.

The Week 3 game against Denver was the turning point for Achane. He went from being a healthy scratch in the season opener to leading the team with an impressive 203 total yards on 18 carries, averaging 11.3 yards per rush and scoring four touchdowns. This performance was instrumental in Miami’s staggering 70-20 win over Denver, and it immediately cemented Achane’s role in the Dolphins’ then-No.1-ranked rushing offense.

Achane’s return is eagerly anticipated as the Dolphins look to boost their rushing production, which has seen a slight decline in his absence.

Recent Dip in Dolphins’ Rushing Production

Before Achane’s injury in Week 5, the team averaged a robust 185.8 rushing yards per game. However, in the subsequent four games without their star rookie, the Dolphins’ average plummeted to just 100.5 rushing yards per game. They’ve also failed to reach the 100-yard mark twice in the four-game period. 

This reduction underscores the significant impact of Achane’s absence, and his return is anticipated to provide a much-needed boost to the Dolphins’ rushing numbers. Despite the dip, Raheem Mostert has stepped up, leading the team with 605 yards and setting a league-high record with 11 rushing touchdowns.

Despite the challenges, the Miami Dolphins’ odds for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders remain promising. With the expected return of Achane, an uplift in the team’s performance can be expected, potentially swinging the Miami Dolphins odds in their favor.

The Current Status of Other Key Dolphins’ Players

The Dolphins’ receiver unit faces several injury concerns, which could affect their performance in the upcoming games. Jaylen Waddle, who has turned 40 receptions into 522 yards and three touchdowns this season, suffered a knee injury in the latest clash against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the injury is not expected to restrict his participation in practice or keep him out of the home game against the Raiders. 

Chase Claypool, the former Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears receiver who joined the Dolphins last month, is also dealing with a knee injury that requires rest. Tyreek Hill has a lingering issue requiring what coach McDaniel calls “Ferrari” maintenance.

Despite these concerns, all these receivers will likely practice this week and potentially play on Sunday. The return of River Cracraft offers some relief to the injury-riddled Dolphins’ receiver unit. Additionally, the Dolphins’ receiving unit’s depth is further reinforced by the presence of Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Robbie Chosen.

Conclusion

The Miami Dolphins have shown resilience in adversity, producing commendable performances despite injury setbacks. The return of rookie running back De’Von Achane brings a renewed sense of hope and anticipation as fans eagerly await the potential revitalization of the team’s rushing production.

However, the Dolphins’ receiver unit’s situation remains a concern, with key players nursing injuries. Nevertheless, the team is optimistic about their chances in their upcoming game against the Raiders.