The sophomore running back was diagnosed with a concussion in Week 5 during Miami’s triumph over the New England Patriots. Achane was then placed into the NFL‘s return to participation protocol.
Achane was a full participant in practice all three days this week. On Monday, the running back wore a red non-contact jersey, but by Wednesday the jersey was no longer necessary.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Achane is trending in the right direction, but didn’t provide a clear answer on whether the running back would play in Week 7.
“He is progressing through the protocol with all things positive,” McDaniels said via the team transcript. “The last protocol piece is based upon activity that he should be doing. Hopefully, he’ll get some clarity on that, but we feel good where he’s at, for sure.”
The Miami backfield has dealt with several injuries this season. Veteran running back Raheem Mostert has missed multiple games due to injury. Jeff Wilson Jr. has dealt with an ongoing knee problem. Achane is in concussion protocol. Jaylen Wright is a rookie.
Against the Patriots, Miami rushed for a season-high 193 yards. Wright and Mostert combined for 163 rushing yards.
The Dolphins will hope to replicate that performance in Week 7 against the Colts.
It hasn’t been an easy road for the Dolphins. After quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained his third concussion of his career, he’s been sidelined since Week 2.
Since Tagovailoa’s injury, the Dolphins have tried to find a suitable signal-caller on top of all the other injuries to the team.
“When your team collectively is trying to battle through some adversity, that doesn’t go away with one week,” McDaniels said. “It was a highly motivated post-bye Monday practice, so more spirited, more focused, as it should be because you don’t get into this profession – anybody involved – to have things happen and to hope for better circumstances. You’ve got to put the work in and I think the work has matched the vigor to get our ball better and that’s what we’ll be sweating through (Monday).”
