Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane continues to thrive with a heftier workload.
With 122 carries and 46 receptions through 10 games, the second-year back has already blasted past his rookie numbers. While dealing with injuries last season, Achane had just 103 carries and 27 catches in 11 games in 2023.
"I feel good," Achane said this week, via the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "I'm just glad I'm 100 percent healthy. I didn't have any injuries like I did last season, so I'm just trying to keep that up, just make sure my body is maintained for the rest of the season."
The eye-popping blastoffs might be less frequent after Achane averaged an absurd 7.8 yards per carry last year, but the 5-foot-9 back is averaging a respectable 4.3 YPC average. He leads Miami with 530 rushing yards and three rushing TDs. He also leads the club with 46 catches and is tied for third in receiving TDs (three).
The Week 11 win over the Raiders underscored coach Mike McDaniel leaning on the second-year back. Achane had 17 carries for 73 yards and a score, while snagging four grabs for 32 yards. Rookie Jaylen Wrighthad six touches (five carries). Raheem Mosterthad three carries for -2 yards.
McDaniel said that Achane's productivity has kept him on the field despite other talented backs on the roster.
"De'Von's play merited some extra snaps that we were kind of anticipating being a little more level," the coach said. "He was really playing well, so in those situations we kind of lean on the hot hand, so to speak, and I think he's really made it difficult in in-game situations, the last two in particular, to take him off the field. But we try to leave that room for guys to decide for us during the game on how much play time they'll get and respond appropriately."
Achane is the only player with three-plus rushing TDs and three-plus receiving TDs in 2024. His 46 grabs and three receiving scores are both tied for second-most among RBs. Achane has 100-plus scrimmage yards and one-plus scrimmage TDs in five games, tied for second-most (he had five such games in 2023).
With Achane carrying the load, Mostert has become something of an afterthought, a surprising turn given that the veteran led the NFL in rushing scores last season (18). The 32-year-old harbors no jealousy toward his younger backfield mate
"He's doing a good job," Mostert said of Achane. "He's hot right now, and it's good to see. He's very impressive. I've dealt with a lot, but I'm here to play a role. And that's just to get myself better, get everybody else around me better. If my opportunity knocks, I just got to answer the door."
In the Week 5 win over New England, Achane exited early with a concussion after just three carries. Barring an injury, the back will see well more than that in Sunday's rematch in Miami. The question is how much of the workload he'll continue to shoulder down the stretch as the Fins attempt to make a playoff push.
