Dolphins face early De’Von Achane health concerns following new contract

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Not long after the Dolphins gave De’Von Achane a four-year, $64 million extension with half of that guaranteed, another storyline has emerged.

Achane was absent from the second day of OTAs, instead doing what looked like rehab work off to the side. And it wasn’t completely out of the blue—one of the coaches had already hinted something might be up.

“It’s going to be really exciting to get him out there once he’s healthy and ready to roll,” passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo said.

That isn’t the type of thing you say if a player is just being eased into offseason activities. Even if it’s nothing major, it comes at a time when Achane isn’t just an important piece—he’s become the focal point of their entire offence.

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Contract seals Achane’s role as the face of Miami’s attack​

Before signing his new contract, Achane had already become the centrepiece of Miami’s attack. He led the league with 5.7 yards per carry last season, finishing with 1,350 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. The deal wasn’t just a reward for those numbers; it formalised his position as the foundation of everything they do offensively.

The deal is worth up to $68 million with incentives, signalling more than just a typical running back extension. Miami didn’t just pay for past performance; they invested their entire offensive strategy in him.

That’s why even a minor health question in May feels bigger now than it would have when there were more options around him.

Dolphins running backs: depth and injuries​

Miami overhauled its running back group this offseason, and that process has raised more questions than answers. Raheem Mostert remains on the roster but is coming off two serious knee injuries and had just four carries over the final nine games last season.{{{TWITTER_PLACEHOLDER_1}}}

Kendre Miller was signed from New Orleans to provide a physical presence after posting career highs in 2025 with 141 carries for 540 yards (3.8 per carry) and three touchdowns — but he has yet to practice due to an undisclosed injury.

What Achane brings to Miami is unique​

Patullo didn’t frame Achane as a typical running back. Instead, he spoke about how Achane “stresses the defence” with his versatility, which is really the core of what he does. He shifts spacing, prompts different personnel groupings, and changes coverage rules before the play even starts.

If Miami needs to ease him in this spring, it’s more than just a few missed reps at running back. It means missing out on the player who stretches their entire playbook and adds pace to everything they do.

In this new-look offence, it’s not just about how many carries Achane gets. It’s about where he lines up, how often he moves into space, what he creates as a receiver and how that forces defences to adjust before the snap.

Early questions are valid​

There’s no reason to overreact in May, especially without clear details about what Achane is dealing with. But there are already signs worth noting: a newly extended player sitting out team drills, a coach mentioning his health, and individual work replacing regular reps.

While nothing has been officially stated, there’s been talk that the modified workload ties back to the shoulder issue that cut short Achane’s 2025 season. Even if it’s just precautionary, it’s still something to keep an eye on given how much responsibility he now holds in Miami’s system.

Patience has limits, even in May​

There is no rush for Achane to shine in OTAs. Miami needs him healthy in September, not June, and being cautious now might be the smart move.

But he is the foundation of the offence, and any hint of a setback, even this early, becomes more than just a routine offseason note. It quickly shifts from being about contract details to concerns over long-term availability.

If this stays minor and does not drag into summer camps, it will fade away. But if Achane remains limited as the calendar moves towards training camp, the Dolphins will have to answer for more than just missed practice reps.

Achane is more than just a running back. He’s central to the entire setup. The Dolphins can manage without him for now, but they won’t get a true sense of how everything fits until he’s back in the fold.

Read more:

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