MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane spoke with reporters Friday, expressing confidence he will be ready for Monday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite leaving last week’s win over the New York Jets with a rib injury.
Achane rushed seven times for 92 yards and a touchdown and caught one pass for 13 yards in the Dolphins’ 34-10 victory over the Jets on Sunday before exiting due to the injury.
Backup Jaylen Wright stepped in effectively, carrying a career-high 24 times for 107 yards with a touchdown, while Ollie Gordon II added a score of his own.
Miami has now rushed for at least 160 yards in four consecutive games, a rare streak for the franchise.
Achane has been the Dolphins MVP this season. He is currently fifth in the NFL in rushing with 1126 yards.
He gave reporters an update on his rib injury and confirmed that he will play in Monday’s game.
“They’re good. It ain’t too bad. It’s better than when it first happened, so that’s good,” Achane said of his ribs. “If the score was different in the game, I would’ve come back in, so it wasn’t bad.”
Achane said he plans to wear protective gear as a precaution.
“Just to make sure because it isn’t like I get hit at practice, so my next time getting hit will be on Monday,” he said.
The Dolphins running back also discussed the challenge of playing in hostile stadiums and the excitement of facing former teammates.
“It’s fun in there -- especially a night game. I feel like that’s when it’s at its best because you get to see the lights and enjoy the experience. It’s going to be a great game,” he said.
Asked about going up against cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who played with the Dolphins, Achane said: “We know him and he knows us, so we know he’s going to be out there talking and that’s going to be fun. They’re a great team and we’re going to bring our best and I’m pretty sure they’re going to bring their best.”
Head coach Mike McDaniel has praised Achane’s vision and instincts as a running back, and Achane said he focuses on reading defenses and trusting his teammates.
“Vision is one of the most important ones because you’ve got to have vision, you’ve got to have instinct. I feel like I’m pretty good at that,” he said.
The Dolphins, coming off a four-game winning streak, are looking to reach .500 for the first time this season as they visit the Steelers (7-6) at Acrisure Stadium.
