De’Von Achane Clears Protocol, Hopes to Play Against Colts

De’Von Achane Clears Protocol, Hopes to Play Against Colts \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Dolphins running back De’Von Achane cleared concussion protocol and hopes to play Sunday against the Colts. Achane was sidelined in Week 5 after a helmet-to-helmet hit but says he feels back to normal. The Dolphins’ running back room will be fully healthy for the first time since Week 1, with Achane, Jaylen Wright, and Raheem Mostert all expected to contribute.

De’Von Achane Cleared for Return – Quick Looks:

• Concussion recovery: Achane cleared protocol and feels fully recovered from a Week 5 hit.
• Key stats: Achane has 183 rushing yards, 1 TD, and 186 receiving yards this season.
• Backfield depth: Dolphins’ running back room is fully healthy, with Achane, Wright, and Mostert all set to play.
• Achane’s confidence: He’s eager to contribute, saying the team’s depth will keep defenses on their toes.

Deep Look:

Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol on Friday, setting the stage for his potential return to the field on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. The second-year back was forced to leave Miami’s Week 5 game against the New England Patriots after suffering a concussion from a helmet-to-helmet hit delivered by Jaylinn Hawkins. Despite the injury scare, Achane is now optimistic about his recovery and hopes to contribute in this weekend’s game.

Achane’s Recovery and Return:

Achane said Friday that he felt “good, great, back to normal” and hasn’t experienced any concussion-related symptoms since shortly after the initial hit. After several days of recovery and evaluation, Achane was officially cleared to resume practice and game play by team doctors, much to the relief of both the player and the Dolphins coaching staff.

“I’ve been feeling good, feeling great, feeling back to normal,” Achane stated, exuding confidence during his media appearance. His recovery timeline followed the standard NFL concussion protocol, which includes a series of cognitive and physical tests to ensure a player is symptom-free before returning to contact play.

Achane’s availability provides a much-needed boost for Miami’s backfield heading into their matchup against the Colts. His speed, versatility, and ability to create plays as both a rusher and receiver have made him a valuable weapon in Miami’s offense this season.

Achane’s Impact This Season:

Through the first few weeks of the season, Achane has logged 183 rushing yards on 53 carries and scored one touchdown on the ground. Additionally, his contributions in the passing game have increased, as he’s tallied 21 catches on 23 targets for 186 receiving yards, showcasing his ability to perform as a dual-threat back.

Achane’s stats this season reflect a solid sophomore campaign, especially considering his standout rookie year in 2023, when he averaged an impressive 7.8 yards per carry and racked up 800 rushing yards. As his role in Miami’s offense continues to expand, his presence will be key to keeping the Dolphins’ offense versatile and unpredictable.

A Healthy Backfield for the Dolphins:

For the first time since Week 1, the Dolphins are expected to have their full stable of running backs available. Alongside Achane, rookie Jaylen Wright and veteran Raheem Mostert are also back to full strength. Mostert, who missed three games with a chest injury, will rejoin the lineup, giving Miami a diverse and dynamic trio of rushers to rely on.

The depth in the backfield is something that Achane believes will give the Dolphins an edge in upcoming games. “That means a defense can’t just kill one of us because … all of us are healthy now,” Achane said. “So any one of us can go in there and make plays and do what’s best for the team.”

Having a healthy rotation of backs will allow Miami to keep defenses on their heels and spread the workload, minimizing the risk of injury while maximizing their rushing attack. Achane, Wright, and Mostert each bring unique skills to the field, whether it’s Achane’s elusiveness, Wright’s power running, or Mostert’s experience and vision.

Looking Ahead to the Colts Matchup:

With a crucial game against the Colts on Sunday, the Dolphins will look to leverage their rejuvenated running game to complement quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s passing attack. The return of Achane and Mostert gives Miami a balanced offensive approach, allowing them to control the pace of the game with their ground game.

The Colts’ defense, which has had difficulty containing dynamic rushing attacks this season, will need to be prepared for the diverse threats posed by Miami’s trio of backs. If Achane is fully cleared to play, he will likely see significant snaps, with Miami’s coaching staff expected to ease him back into full action without overwhelming him post-recovery.

Conclusion:

De’Von Achane’s clearance from concussion protocol is a significant development for the Miami Dolphins, who have missed his explosive playmaking ability since his injury in Week 5. With Achane feeling “back to normal” and ready to play, the Dolphins are poised to field a fully healthy and deep backfield against the Colts. As Miami pushes further into the season, the return of a versatile runner like Achane could make a critical difference as the team looks to remain competitive in the AFC.

Achane’s return, along with the availability of Jaylen Wright and Raheem Mostert, will give the Dolphins a multi-faceted rushing attack that could overwhelm opposing defenses. With Miami’s running back room back at full strength, they’ll look to keep their offense firing on all cylinders as they aim to add another win to their record.

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