Officially, Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (toe) remains questionable for Sunday’s Week 15 game against the New York Jets. But contextual clues suggest the Dolphins are planning as if Achane will miss his seventh game of 2023.
Ahead of the 4 p.m. roster deadline, the Dolphins made three roster moves — including two that involved the running back position.
They declined to activate Chris Brooks off injured reserve but did elevate Darrynton Evans from their practice squad to the active roster.
UPDATED (Dec. 17): De’Von Achane is ACTIVE and will play Sunday against the Jets.
Will Miami Dolphins RB De’Von Achane Play in Week 15?
This is the second time this season the Dolphins have called up Evans from the practice squad.
The previous occasion? When Achane couldn’t play in the first Jets game due to a knee injury.
Achane has also dealt with rib and shoulder injuries in his rookie season.
The Dolphins also hinted at the availability of several other key players with their Saturday roster decisions.
For the first time, they elevated defensive back Ethan Bonner from the practice squad, meaning the undrafted rookie is on track to make his NFL debut Sunday.
It’s entirely possible that Bonner’s elevation is because the Dolphins will need special teams help since DeShon Elliott is out and Brandon Jones and Elijah Campbell — who play a lot of special teams — will play a lot more on defense than usual.
MORE: Miami Dolphins Depth Chart
But two other Dolphins starting defensive backs are questionable to play: Safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Xavien Howard.
It’s possible Bonner is being elevated because the Dolphins fear one of those two will be unable to play.
The news seemed to be a bit better on the offensive line. The Dolphins elevated no O-linemen, which suggests that one (or perhaps both) of tackle Terron Armstead and center Liam Eichenberg will be available.
“For our guys to play on any game day, it’s the communication that they have with the training staff, coaches, everyone involved and making sure guys are ready to play,” Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith said Thursday. “When we put the guys forward to play on any game day, we feel confident that they’re going to be able to execute and play the level that they feel comfortable with because it’s December in the NFL.”
Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!
