Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during a 24-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28, 2026, ending his season just months after signing a four-year contract extension.
The Miami Dolphins lost more than just a football game on Sunday afternoon. The injury occurred on Miami’s opening drive when Achane gained 11 yards around the left side on his third carry before being brought down awkwardly by Chiefs safety Alohi Gilman.
Achane got up slowly, headed to the blue medical tent, and later walked to the locker room for further examination. He did not return, appearing on the sideline after halftime without his helmet or shoulder pads. First-year head coach Jeff Hafley admitted after the game that he was not optimistic about the setback. Monday morning brought the definitive diagnosis: a torn ACL that ends his 2026 campaign.
Contract Extension and Rushing Statistics Impact
The timing of the injury deals a severe blow to a Miami roster that committed significant financial resources to the fourth-year running back this past spring. Coaching staff ambitions aimed to get him the ball 40 to 45 times per game.
Before the injury, Achane led the 2026 squad with 34 carries and 127 rushing yards across the first three weeks. Quarterback Malik Willis sits second on the team with 101 yards on the ground. No other player on the Miami roster managed to accumulate even 50 total rushing yards over the opening trio of games.
Quarterback Struggles and Roster Pressure
In March, Miami signed Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5M contract featuring $45M in fully guaranteed money. Yet the signal-caller has struggled to elevate the offense, entering Monday ranked 27th among 30 qualified passers with a 40.2 adjusted QBR, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions through three weeks.
In the wake of Achane’s departure, running back Ollie Gordon II stepped into an expanded role against Kansas City, punching in Miami’s first rushing touchdown of the season. Behind the scenes, linebacker Jordyn Brooks noted in early September that the team embraced an us against the world
mentality after pre-season previews suggested the front office was eyeing the 2027 NFL Draft rather than immediate contention.
Upcoming Matchup Against the Minnesota Vikings
Things do not get easier for the 0-3 Dolphins as they head into October. Next up is a road trip to face the 3-0 Minnesota Vikings on October 4. DraftKings Sportsbook listed Miami as a heavy 10-point underdog for that Week 4 clash, reflecting the steep climb ahead for an offense suddenly stripped of its explosive Pro Bowl centerpiece.
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