Miami got hit with the absolute worst news on Monday, confirming that star running back De’Von Achane tore his ACL. This isn’t just a minor setback, folks. We’re talking about an eleven-yard run, just five offensive plays into their Week 3 battle against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, and poof, the season for one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers might be gone. What a gut punch for the Dolphins, right out of the gate in the regular season.
Achane Was an Absolute Beast for Miami
Seriously, De’Von Achane has been on another level since the Dolphins snagged him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Over four years and 47 games, this dude piled up 3,184 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging a sick 5.5 yards per carry. And he wasn’t just a ground guy, either. He hauled in another 1,326 yards and 13 scores on 179 receptions, making him a total dual-threat nightmare for defenses. Think about that production. That’s why he was a top-tier fantasy football option, going between picks nine and seventeen in most drafts this year. Losing a player with that kind of production, that kind of versatile impact, it leaves a crater in your offense.
Who Steps Up? Wright and Gordon II Are Now Under the Microscope
So, with Achane out, the scramble is officially on. Who steps into that massive void in the Dolphins’ backfield? The immediate spotlight shines on two guys: Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II. Wright, a fourth-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, brings some serious speed to the table, blazing a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. He earned All-SEC honors once during his time at Tennessee, and over the last two years, he’s rushed for 537 yards and two touchdowns on 3.9 yards per attempt. The speed is there, but the pass-catching ability that Achane mastered? The source says Wright doesn’t offer that same threat.
Then you’ve got Ollie Gordon II, the 22-year-old taken in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This guy was a collegiate standout, earning All-American honors once and leading the NCAA in rushing yards once during his stint at Oklahoma State. His NFL production has been less stellar so far, though. As a rookie, he rushed for 199 yards and three touchdowns on 2.8 yards per attempt. This year? Just 48 yards and one touchdown on 2.4 yards per attempt. Those numbers aren’t exactly screaming “Achane replacement.”
The big question mark hangs over Miami’s entire backfield now. The source tells us Wright is probably the top option because of his game-changing speed, but here’s the kicker: it’s way more likely these two will split the load. That’s a tough pill for any team to swallow when you’re trying to replace a first-round talent. For the Dolphins, figuring out this running back situation is now an early season emergency, and how they manage it could set the tone for their year. It’s going to be a tough road ahead without their dynamic playmaker.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply