Tips, predictions and best bets for the second week of the NFL
USA TODAY Sports’ Lorenzo Reyes is back with his best NFL picks for Week 2 of the NFL season.
The Miami Dolphins are trying to end a four-game losing streak against their AFC East rivals, the Buffalo Bills, but they may have to do so without one of their best offensive players.
Running back De’Von Achane is officially questionable for Thursday night due to an ankle injury.
Achane rushed for just 24 yards on 10 attempts in Miami’s Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he managed 76 yards on seven catches. A third-round pick out of Texas A&M in 2023, he proved to be a dangerous counterattack player as a rookie, averaging 7.8 yards per attempt and giving the defense another speedy player to consider in coach Mike McDaniel’s offense.
If Achane can’t play, the Dolphins’ running game could look significantly different than usual, with Raheem Mostert already out with a chest injury.
Here is the latest information on Achane ahead of Thursday’s game:
Latest information on De’Von Achane’s injury
Because of the ankle injury, Achane’s participation will likely not be decided until the start of the game, McDaniel told reporters on Wednesday.
“We’ll see how it turns out,” McDaniel said.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that there is “optimism” that Achane will be able to play after his ankle was examined before the game.
Achane was listed as a limited participant for the Dolphins’ practice on Wednesday, which was considered a walk-through.
In two games against the Bills last season, Achane collected 157 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.
Dolphins depth chart: Who’s next at RB if Achane is out?
Jeff Wilson Jr. was the Dolphins’ best runner in Week 1, outpacing both Mostert and Achane with 26 yards on five carries. The seventh-year running back could have an increased workload, especially if Achane is out.
But fourth-round rookie Jaylen Wright could also factor into the team’s game plan. Wright was not used for the opening game, but the Tennessee product has proven to be a major threat thanks to his 4.38-second speed in the 40-yard dash.
