Achane's ACL tear forces Dolphins to rethink backfield depth

Key points

• De'Von Achane was placed on injured reserve on September 28, 2026, after suffering a torn ACL in Week 3.
• Achane was the Dolphins' 2026 team captain and 2025 Pro Bowl selection, leading the NFL in yards per carry last season.
• Ollie Gordon II, the only other active running back in the Week 3 loss, exited the game with cramps and recorded only 41 yards on 17 carries.
• Jarquez Hunter, acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in August, remains on the practice squad despite his strong collegiate production.
• Jaylen Wright, the team's RB2, is currently injured but is expected to return as the primary runner over Gordon II.

Background

Achane had been a cornerstone of the Dolphins' offense, signing an extension and serving as a team captain. The team traded wide receiver Tutu Atwell to the Rams in August for Hunter, a former Auburn standout who led the SEC in yards per carry in 2024. Achane's injury occurred during a 24-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where the Dolphins' backfield depth was already strained by the absence of Jaylen Wright and the early exit of Gordon II.

How outlets are covering it

Phin Phanatic criticizes head coach Jeff Hafley for not utilizing Jarquez Hunter, arguing that the Dolphins' reluctance to deploy Hunter despite his high draft status and production is a strategic error. Phanatic suggests that Hunter's explosive profile could have reduced the workload on Achane. Sports Illustrated, however, focuses on fantasy football implications, arguing that Jaylen Wright is the superior option over Ollie Gordon II due to his athleticism and pass-catching ability, despite Gordon II being the current active starter. The official Dolphins press release provides the factual confirmation of Achane's IR placement and the waiver of defensive lineman Keith Cooper Jr., without offering commentary on the running back hierarchy.

Why it matters

Achane's departure leaves the Dolphins with a significantly weakened offense, as they are already struggling with the worst offense in the NFL. The decision to keep Hunter on the practice squad or elevate him will determine the team's ability to sustain offensive production for the remainder of the 2026 season. Additionally, the choice between Gordon II and Wright will impact the team's versatility in both rushing and passing situations, particularly in negative game scripts where touchdown opportunities are scarce.

What to watch

The Dolphins are expected to make roster moves to address the void left by Achane, potentially elevating Jarquez Hunter from the practice squad. Jaylen Wright is expected to return from his minor foot injury and stinger to take over the RB2 role, likely leading the team in carries in a 60/40 split with Gordon II. The team will also need to adjust its offensive strategy to rely less on its receiving corps and more on multiple back formations to maximize the output of its remaining running backs.