Dolphins’ McDaniel updates Achane rib injury, other issues on Monday
A day after leaving a game with a rib injury, Dolphins running back De’Von Achane told Mike McDaniel he was feeling better on Monday and he wants to play next Monday at the Pittsburgh Steelers, McDaniel said Monday.
An MRI revealed nothing serious, and McDaniel said only treatment and rest are needed for Achane.
“He’s highly motivated to play Monday,” McDaniel said.
Achane told McDaniel he was uncomfortable during Sunday’s game but also told McDaniel during the game that he could have gone back in the game if needed. He was cleared by doctors to return, but McDaniel didn’t feel it was necessary.
He told McDaniel was feeling better Monday.
Achane left late the first half with a rib injury sustained when he was tackled on a 29-yard run. He fell on the ball as he was falling out of bounds, McDaniel said.
McDaniel indicated Sunday that there’s no evidence that he broke a rib. “He was hurting, but he was available to come back in the game in an emergency,” McDaniel said. “You worry about breaks that take time. Didn’t see that.”
Even though Achane played less than half the game, the Dolphins (6-7) ran for 239 yards on 5.8 per carry. Jaylen Wright ran for 107 yards on 24 carries.
Achane entered this past weekend ranked third in the league in rushing yards and yard per carry. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month in November.
McDaniel addressed other issues:
▪ Center Andrew Meyer, who has been out all season because of an elbow injury, will be designated to return this week. The Dolphins will have 21 days to activate him. Meyer was impressive during training camp.
▪ McDaniel raved about how left tackle Patrick Paul is playing.
“He’s putting on display why everybody around him has so much confidence in his play,” McDaniel said. “We knew early on in training camp that he would have successful plays during the season.
“We’ve relied upon his growth. Him and Jonah [Savaiinaea] — working together — have really grown. Unique skill sets; we can rely on them in the run and pass game. He’s a core pillar on what we’re doing, and the whole offensive line is a gigantic part of why we’re winning games.”
▪ Though Darren Waller has three receptions during the past two games since returning from a pectoral injury, McDaniel said “the defense has been threatened by his existence and it’s opened things up for other guys.
“His impact has been felt. His numbers at any time could have an uptick based on defense presentation. His boxscore doesn’t do justice to what he’s doing to the opposing defense.”
▪ Asked what led to the Dolphins committing to becoming a dominant run team, McDaniel said: “You are always intending to. But there’s a stark contrast when you are able to do that and move the ball and score points. When your offensive line has the conviction based on hours and hours of training and skill set.”
He said “it’s not like you decide to run 60% of the time” because if it’s successful “you will have a lot of three-and-outs. At some point, people know who you are...
“You have to succeed at something people know is coming. If you want to play that style of football, you have to earn it with details. It comes with a cost. You have to really expend yourself. It’s something you always intend to do, but it’s difficult to be able to execute it.”
Here are my Monday position-by-position Dolphins tidbits.
This story was originally published December 8, 2025 at 2:18 PM.
