Dolphins’ McDaniel updates injuries with Achane, others heading into Monday game
In an encouraging sign, Dolphins running back De’Von Achane will be a limited participant in practice Thursday, five days after sustaining a rib injury in the Jets game.
Coach Mike McDaniel said Achane would practice in a red noncontact jersey, adding that “it will be a gradual increase in activity and physicality.”
McDaniel said Achane is very “motivated” to play Monday at Pittsburgh (8:15 p.m., CBS 4, ESPN) and said “whether he wears a [flak jacket in the game] will be up to him.”
Achane was cleared to return to the Jets game last Sunday, but the team opted against it out of an abundance of caution. He sustained the injury late in the first half when he fell on the football when being tackled after a 29-yard run.
The former third-round pick ranks third in the league in rushing yards and yards per carry.
McDaniel said only two players on the 53-man roster would not practice on Thursday: safety Elijah Campbell and linebacker Caleb Johnson. Johnson left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury and is unlikely to play Monday.
Campbell is nursing knee and ankle injuries.
Among the Dolphins players on injured reserve who are eligible to return this season, guard Andrew Meyer is the only one who will begin practicing this week. Guard James Daniels, kicker Jason Sanders and cornerback Storm Duck remain sidelined.
Because they’re playing on Monday night, the Dolphins are practicing Thursday through Saturday this week, instead of the normal Wednesday through Friday routine.
McDaniel addressed other issues:
▪ On cornerback Rasul Douglas’ play: “Giganticly impactful football player. I’ve seen him make plays on the ball and the run game. He’s played some of the best ball he’s played. I knew he was a player; I didn’t know how much he can aid in the team we could create. I had no idea how much impact he could make as a Year 1 player.”
▪ On the commitment to the running game: “That’s been a work in progress since we’ve been here. If you can run the ball and control the game by possessing the ball and not risking a takeaway, you do it week in and week out. The problem is people try to stop you.
“And if you are not running the ball effectively, you will not get 30 runs, unless you’re running the ball on third down. You’re seeing really talented guys doing what we’re asking them to do... Guys enjoy that style of football. But each week, it’s a new challenge... People are working on stopping that right now. No doubt [the Steelers] will have a plan to stop our run game.”
▪ What does McDaniel see in a Mike Tomlin-coached team? “Twenty years of over .500 football play. Being able to inspire individuals and win more than they lose. Guys play physically every year regardless of what the nameplates are. They find a way to play sound football.”
▪ On Daniel Brunskill, who has helped the running game as a psuedo tight end/sixth offensive lineman: “Dan Brunskill is a unique individual. You come across a lot of athletes over the years, and he stands out for the incredible preparation he’s always had.”
▪ He said Jaylen Wright got the majority of carries after Achane left against the Jets because “he’s been on a heater at practice. He’s looking like he’s really hard to tackle in practice.” He said Wright’s increased workload had nothing to do with Ollie” Gordon’s play.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 11:36 AM.
