Jun 6, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) catches the football during mandatory minicamp at the Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Jun 6, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) catches the football during mandatory minicamp at the Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided an update on rookie star De’Von Achane Monday, and what he said was troubling enough.

What he didn’t say might have been even more concerning.

The explosive running back walked gingerly to the sidelines after a run early in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants. He later returned to the game, then left again.

Monday, McDaniel said Achane has a knee injury. He said the team is still evaluating the situation, and he said Achane’s status for next week against the Carolina Panthers is “to be determined.”

But when asked if he could say whether the injury was season ending, McDaniel called it “trivial” to speculate on a timeline for Achane’s return until the evaluation is completed.

McDaniel didn’t seem overly concerned about the situation. When asked if Achane would undergo an MRI, he said, “There’s various things that he’s undergoing, handshakes as well, high fives. I think from all accounts he had a good breakfast and lunch.”

Achane ran wild on the Giants Sunday, rushing for 151 yards on 11 carries, including a 76-yard TD burst.

Achane is second in the NFL with 460 rushing yards, and is averaging a ridiculous 12.1 yards per carry. The fact he returned to Sunday’s game is a good sign. But the fact that McDaniel didn’t offer more in his update fueled speculation on social media.

[Cameron Wolfe, NFL Network]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.