De’Von Achane’s Recovery Sparks Optimism for Monday Night Clash
All indications point to a positive recovery for De’Von Achane as he navigates the aftermath of a rib injury. The Miami Dolphins running back has been on a remarkable trajectory this season, and it appears he is set to maintain his momentum in the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Monday night.
Achane’s Impressive Practice Performance
Offensive coordinator Frank Smith shared encouraging news following Thursday’s practice, where Achane donned a red no-contact jersey. “He looked great,” Smith remarked. “He had a very good run and a good cut. I was like, okay. That brought me a lot of joy. I don’t see anything that potentially is going to hold him back.” Such optimism is a significant boost for the Dolphins, who are not only aiming for their fifth consecutive victory but also striving to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
Currently, Achane ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing yards this season, trailing only elite talents like Jonathan Taylor, James Cook, and Bijan Robinson. His impressive streak of three consecutive games with at least 120 rushing yards was interrupted during the Dolphins’ 34-10 win against the New York Jets, where he sustained the rib injury in the second quarter. Nonetheless, he concluded that game with a respectable 92 yards on just seven carries.
Dolphins’ Strategic Advantage Against the Steelers
Having Achane back in the lineup would undoubtedly bolster the Dolphins’ rushing attack as they prepare to face a Steelers defense that has struggled against the run in recent outings. Pittsburgh has surrendered over 200 rushing yards in each of their last two games—first in a loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 13, followed by a defeat to the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday. Furthermore, Steelers rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon was sidelined during the Baltimore game due to a knee injury and did not participate in practice on Thursday.
What Sets Achane Apart
During a recent media session, Smith was asked to elaborate on what distinguishes Achane from other running backs in the league. “I think it’s really his vision and his feel and instincts in space,” he explained. “It goes all the way back to Texas A&M and the evaluation process. When he’s running, he has elite instincts—he senses where defenders are and how they’re moving, allowing him to use his acceleration to find openings and make cuts.”
Smith recalled a specific moment from Achane’s college career that exemplified his unique skill set. “There was a run against LSU that stands out in my mind. It wasn’t a huge gain, but as he ran to the right, he sensed a backside linebacker flying over the top. He tempoed his pace to give his linemen a chance to regroup and re-accelerate, turning what could have been a loss into a 14- or 15-yard gain. That’s when you know a player possesses exceptional instincts in space, and that’s what truly sets him apart from others.”
As the Dolphins gear up for this critical matchup, all eyes will be on Achane to see if he can deliver another standout performance and help propel Miami towards victory.
