Dolphins optimistic about Achane vs. Raiders, but Hunt out; Ramsey in ‘training camp mode’
MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins’ already-prolific run game could receive a boost from rookie running back De’Von Achane on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
While coach Mike McDaniel would not commit to activating Achane off injured reserve when he spoke ahead of the team’s Friday practice, he indicated it could happen if all went well following the team’s drills.
“If today doesn’t exist, then tomorrow cannot,” McDaniel said. “So, we have practice (Friday). I know, patience is small, but we’re prepared to, if everything goes well. Very optimistic about that, but you don’t know. We’re not going to rush the process.
“But it’s been so far, so good. So, encouraged by that. We’ll make a decision on that after the completion of (Friday practice).”
Achane is officially being listed as questionable on the injury report. He was designated to return Monday, opening up his 21-day practice window after missing the minimum four games while on IR for a knee ailment suffered Oct. 8 against the New York Giants. After also getting the bye week for further recovery, Friday marked his fourth practice back. He was listed as limited on Wednesday and Thursday injury reports.
Achane, in four games, has 460 yards and five touchdowns on 38 rushing attempts for a whopping 12.1 yards-per-carry average, which would lead the NFL if he qualified with enough attempts. He also has two receiving touchdowns. In the Sept. 24 win over the Denver Broncos, Achane burst onto the NFL scene with four total touchdowns and 203 rushing yards.
Whether or not he’s given the green light, the Dolphins have Raheem Mostert capable of handling a majority of the workload, with Jeff Wilson Jr. and Salvon Ahmed as options to spell him.
The Dolphins have an open roster spot for the potential activation of Achane after waiving wide receiver Robbie Chosen on Thursday. McDaniel said Friday the team made the move with hopes of bringing him back onto the practice squad if he went unclaimed.
Hunt ruled out
Meanwhile, McDaniel ruled out right guard Robert Hunt for Sunday against the Raiders. Also out upon release of the team’s injury report later Friday, although no surprises, were fellow lineman Robert Jones and wide receiver Chase Claypool.
Hunt, who hasn’t practiced this week, will miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury after he was also out against the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany on Nov. 5 before the team’s bye week.
“It’s not that it’s that far away,” McDaniel said. “It’s more that I think it would be pretty risky this week, so we’re going to keep working, but he’s doing a good job, hasn’t had a setback.”
Offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg appears in line to start at right guard, since he has been practicing at the position this week. With left guard Isaiah Wynn on injured reserve, Lester Cotton would likely start there.
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Jones, like Hunt, missed practice throughout the week as he recovers from a knee injury.
Wide receiver Braxton Berrios (hamstring), tight end Durham Smythe (ankle) and fullback Alec Ingold (foot) are all questionable against the Raiders.
McDaniel said Berrios had to make it through Friday’s practice before determining his status. Berrios was seen fielding kickoffs during the brief media viewing portion of drills but he wasn’t very active when receivers ran routes.
“He plays the game one way and is very vulnerable. I feel good about it. It’s a day-to-day thing,” McDaniel said. “There’s a chance, for sure, that he’ll play in the game.”
Claypool is considered week to week, according to McDaniel, after he had a minor procedure done on his knee during the bye.
For the Raiders, starting offensive linemen in left tackle Kolton Miller (shoulder) and left guard Dylan Parham (calf) are questionable, along with safety Roderic Teamer (hamstring). Cornerback Amik Robertson was in concussion protocol earlier in the week but is good to go.
Ramsey: ‘Training camp mode’
Star Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey has looked good in his two games since recovering from a preseason knee injury, but he said Friday he’s not quite in midseason form yet.
“I’m feeling like training camp mode,” the All-Pro defender said. “Got to get myself together. But it’s to be expected. I just give credit to my teammates for holding it down for me and making it easy for me.
“I do not feel like myself yet. But it’ll come. I feel great though. My limbs and all that, my body feels great. But in terms of knocking the rust off, being in my rhythm, not yet. But it’ll get there.”
Ramsey is building chemistry with others in Miami’s secondary, like cornerback Xavien Howard and safety Jevon Holland.
“Getting more familiar with each other’s games, knowing where we’ll be at certain times,” he said. “Getting more familiar with our communication on the field and certain things like that. That takes actually playing football together to be able to do it.”
