On Wednesday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel ruled out one of Miami’s dynamic running backs, Raheem Mostert, ahead of their Week 2 “Thursday Night Football” contest against the Buffalo Bills.
McDaniel said the other, De’Von Achane, could be a game-time decision.
Mostert suffered a chest injury during the team’s 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. He played 31 offensive snaps and was ineffective on his eight touches, rushing six times for nine yards and recording two catches for 10 yards.
McDaniel praised the 2023 Pro Bowler for playing through his pain on Sunday.
Achane picked up an ankle injury against the Jaguars and split work with Mostert, earning 37 snaps. The second-year pro struggled on the ground with only 24 rushing yards on 10 attempts (though he did add a touchdown) while shining as a pass-catcher with seven receptions for 76 yards on seven targets.
If the latter can suit up, fans should expect him to start the important AFC East clash against the Bills and get the bulk of the work in the backfield.
Mostert had a stunning 2023 campaign, posting career highs in carries (209), rushing yards (1,012), rushing touchdowns (league-best 18) and receiving scores (three) during his age-31 season. The oft-injured Purdue product played 15 games last year and added 25 catches for 175 yards on 35 targets.
After being selected in the third round last year, Achane burst onto the scene with 800 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 103 carries, plus 27 receptions for 197 yards and three scores through the air via 37 targets.
If the Texas A&M product is inactive or limited, Miami will likely turn to 28-year-old Jeff Wilson, who has started 16 games in six-plus seasons. The Dolphins also have rookie fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright on their depth chart.
Wilson rushed five times for 26 yards vs. Jacksonville, while Wright was inactive for the contest.
