De’Von Achane Out for the Season: What Do the Dolphins Do Now?

Losing De’Von Achane for the season is a tough blow. NFL Network and ESPN reported that Achane suffered a torn ACL against Kansas City. You feel for him, obviously. And for an offense still trying to get going, losing its biggest weapon makes things that much harder.

To me, you give Ollie Gordon II an opportunity. Maybe he brings a little more of a power element, and you keep building on that physical identity. He’s a different kind of back, and I want to see what he can do with more carries.

My best guess is they bring Jarquez Hunter up from the practice squad. They also have Carlos Washington Jr. there. And when Jaylen Wright gets healthy, I’d expect him to share the backfield with Gordon. This should be a big opportunity for Wright to show what he can do, too.

If you want another speed option, maybe you look at Jaydon Blue on Philadelphia’s practice squad. He ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the combine and rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown with Dallas last season. Dean Connors on the Rams’ practice squad is another guy I’d consider. Those are names I’d look into, not players Miami has been reported to be pursuing.

But to me, the biggest addition might not be a new player at all. It might be the offensive line continuing to develop and becoming more of a strength. That helps everybody. Whether it’s Gordon, Hunter or somebody they bring in, better blocking gives those backs a chance.

That helps Malik Willis, too. This is still an evaluation year, and you want the offense to function well enough to get a good look at him without Achane. I think the line improving could do more for this offense than any one back Miami brings in. That’s where I’m looking for the biggest difference.

I broke down what losing Achane means for Miami and the options at running back in the video below.