Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane was ruled out Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs after hurting his knee on Miami’s opening possession, leaving Ollie Gordon II as the club’s only active running back.
Key takeaways
- Achane was injured on his third carry, an 11-yard run around the left side.
- Chiefs safety Alohi Gilman made the awkward tackle that sent Achane to the medical tent.
- Miami later took Achane to the locker room for further evaluation, and he was formally ruled out after halftime.
- Jaylen Wright was inactive with a stinger, leaving Gordon as the only other Dolphins running back activated.
- Gordon scored his first touchdown of the season after Achane exited.
Achane’s day ends after opening-drive injury
Achane stayed down briefly after being brought down by Gilman near the end of his 11-yard gain. He was able to walk off under his own power and was accompanied to Miami’s blue medical tent.
After spending several minutes in the tent, Achane headed to the locker room for additional testing. He did not rejoin the Dolphins on the sideline before halftime. Although he appeared after the break without his helmet or shoulder pads, Miami soon confirmed that he would not return.
The injury is a concerning development for a player who has carried a significant workload since entering the league. Achane missed five games with a knee problem during his 2023 rookie season, but he had missed only two games combined across the following two years while handling 586 total touches in 2024 and 2025.
Dolphins turn to Gordon with backfield depleted
Miami entered the Chiefs game thin at running back after Wright was declared inactive because of a stinger. The Dolphins activated only Achane and Gordon, making Gordon the lone available runner once Achane was ruled out.
Gordon, in his second season, responded by reaching the end zone for the first time this year.
Achane earned his first Pro Bowl selection after a breakout 2025 campaign in which he produced 1,838 yards from scrimmage and scored 12 touchdowns. His 2026 start had been comparatively quiet, with 159 yards from scrimmage on 38 touches through the first two weeks.
Coach Jeff Hafley had joked during the offseason that Achane might receive 40 or more touches in a game. Achane said this week that he had not approached the coaching staff to ask for a larger role, explaining that he has never been a player to complain about his opportunities. He said Hafley had encouraged him to share what he sees, but added that demanding more carries was not in his nature.
