MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins activated rookie running back De'von Achane from injured reserve on Saturday, clearing the way for him to take the field Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders after missing the past four games with a knee injury.
Achane injured his knee late in a Week 5 win over the New York Giants and was later placed on injured reserve. He returned to practice last week as a limited participant. But he has impressed his coaches and teammates throughout his rookie campaign.
“Early on, he had a couple slip-ups and we had to get on him," veteran running back Raheem Mostert said. "It’s finally paying off for him. He’s taken coaching very well. He’s listening to the key aspects in both the run and the pass game. And he’s executing at a high rate, which is awesome to see.”
Achane, whom the Dolphins drafted in the third round this year, was leading the NFL with 12.1 yards per carry before the injury. He rushed for 460 yards with seven total touchdowns in four games.
He had a breakout game in the Dolphins 70-20 blowout of Denver in Week 3, leading the team with 203 total yards on 18 carries, 11.3 yards per rush and four touchdowns. Achane immediately earned a larger role in Miami's offense and will be a boost for a rushing attack that has seen a small drop-off in production since his injury.
The Dolphins entered Week 5 averaging 185.8 yards per game but have rushed for 100.5 yards per game since Achane’s injury. They have failed to reach 100 yards twice in the past four games.
“We’ve all seen the things that he’s done for our offense while he’s been in,” quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said Wednesday. “He’s an electric player. He’s phenomenal. He understands the game. He understands where he goes. He understands his assignment.”
Also Saturday, the Dolphins brought back veteran receiver Robbie Chosen, signing him to their practice squad after releasing him earlier in the week. Miami elevated Chosen and offensive lineman Chasen Hines to the active roster for Sunday’s game.
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