Why Didn’t De’Von Achane Play in Week 12?

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane missed his fifth game in a six-game span Friday due to a knee injury, and his availability for Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders is very much a question mark.

So what’s the deal with the Dolphins’ dynamic back, who has logged just three snaps since Oct. 8?

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel provided a bit of context during his Monday news conference.

Miami Dolphins RB De’Von Achane Injury Update

Achane practiced on a limited basis last week and was questionable to play against the Jets on Black Friday but was ultimately inactive.

Why?

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“It was more of all [the] things involved, all variables, knowing the team that we’re going against, knowing short weeks and what you kind of need to be able to orchestrate a victory in those weeks,” McDaniel replied.

“[The Jets are] always physical, they’re always fast. And there’s always some uncertainty on both sides of the ball, in my opinion because you are — bottom line is — you are taking a full work week and cutting it in half almost. So, any uncertainty with things of that nature, I didn’t think was very smart for him to put his best foot forward, and I felt good about what Raheem [Mostert] and Jeff [Wilson] are bringing to the table.”

Playing Achane, McDaniel continued, “didn’t seem prudent,” and there’s no guarantee he’ll feel ready to go this week, either.

McDaniel suggested Achane will be “day-to-day” this week, meaning another late-week decision looms.

If he cannot go, the Dolphins will presumably decide between again elevating Darrynton Evans from the practice squad or activating Chris Brooks off injured reserve.

Brooks is seemingly ready to return to practice, but when (if) he does, it would leave the Dolphins with just one IR-return designation spot for the rest of the season.

“We’ve got an active building in terms of rehab and just really had player maintenance over the weekend, so guys are being very diligent,” McDaniel said. “I expect things to clear up as the week progresses. But right now, we are standing in muddy waters.”

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