De'Von

Achane

Achane, along with C Aaron Brewer and LB Jordyn Brooks are “core players” in Miami’s view along with the already-extended Jaylen Waddle. Achane has seen some trade buzz this offseason, but there’s not really a compelling reason for Miami to move off him without a big haul considering he’s just 24 years old.

Achane is mentioned as part of a major section of Alexander’s combine takeaways titled “A push for a running back,” starring Kenneth Walker and also featuring Travis Etienne and Rico Dowdle. But towards the very end, it notes that the Texans did trade for a back after missing out on the free-agent market for Saquon Barkley when they snagged Joe Mixon. We doubt that the Dolphins would part with Achane for something negligible — they’d likely require real draft compensation — but the situation certainly looks to be focused on the long-term there and Achane is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Sullivan spoke with reporters at the NFL Combine and didn’t exactly quash rumors that the Dolphins could part with one or both of their best players in a potential tear-down rebuild of the team. That rebuild — whatever it looks like — will certainly include parting ways with QB Tua Tagovailoa. One of the most explosive, efficient backs in the NFL, Achane could fetch a haul of draft picks if Miami moves on from him in the coming months. Waddle, meanwhile, profiles as a solid No. 2 receiver with a long history of injuries.

This comes as no surprise. Achane, 24, and Waddle, 27, are core offensive players. The Dolphins recently released WRs Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and LB Bradley Chubb as they enter a youth-oriented rebuild. Wolfe echoed recent reports indicating that trade talks regarding QB Tua Tagovailoa and S Minkah Fitzpatrick could heat up at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Miami is among the teams expected to pursue Willis, a former third-round draft pick, this offseason. Willis showed great improvement over two seasons in Green Bay, spot starting in place of Jordan love a few times and appearing in 11 games as the Packers quarterback. Willis has connections to new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan from their time with the Packers. “Let’s envision a scheme built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in; that would set up Willis well as a thrower, and the QB run game would generate conflict for opposing defenses,” Bowen said. “Willis’ development in Green Bay creates upside for the Dolphins.” Willis’ mobility and arm strength would certainly bring more upside to the Miami offense than departing starter Tua Tagovailoa.

Achane could have easily kept pushing through the “injury” if the Dolphins had “anything to play for,” but they have determined they do not with their playoff hopes long gone and fill-in rookie Quinn Ewers under center. Remarkably durable considering his size and workload — Achane took the rock 305 times this season — Achane will head into the final year of his rookie deal having missed one game in two years, today’s contest. The 24-year-old bounced back in the efficiency department in a big way this year despite the ‘Fins’ quarterback woes. Achane’s 5.7 yards per carry led the league heading into Week 18. Particularly if coach Mike McDaniel returns for 2026, Achane will remain a top-five fantasy back with room to ascend.

This really isn’t much of a surprise. Achane was listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this week. The Dolphins are out of the playoff hunt, so there’s no reason to play Achane through the shoulder issue. Jaylen Wright should handle the bulk of the backfield touches for Miami this week, putting him on the RB2/3 border for Week 18.

He didn’t practice all week and the Dolphins have nothing to play for. Achane would give way to Jaylen Wright as Miami’s lead back in Week 18 when and if his ruleout becomes official. Wright’s a worthwhile RB2/RB3 in Week 18 against a Patriots defense missing most of its best run defenders.

Achane hasn’t practiced all week. With the Dolphins already eliminated from playoff contention, it seems highly unlikely that the 24-year-old running back will try to tough it out against the Patriots in Week 18. We expect him to be ruled out later today and Jaylen Wright would be the expected starter against New England.

Achane has now missed this week’s first two practices. The diminutive running back often toughs it out on game day, though the Dolphins have been eliminated from playoff contention. Tomorrow’s practice participation should clarify his status. Dolphins No. 2 RB Jaylen Wright would start in his stead if he cannot play.