Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets safety Isaiah Oliver (26) tackles Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

De’Von Achane is having a career year for the Miami Dolphins and is a critical piece of their hopes of making an improbable run to the postseason. Although he was taken out of Sunday's win over the New York Jets with a rib injury, head coach Mike McDaniel gave a positive update after the team's win.

Achane would have come back in an emergency if absolutely needed, but the Dolphins cruised to a 34-10 victory. For next week's must-win game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, one game ahead of them in the standings, McDaniel was cautious but optimistic about his star back's status.

“I promise you, he’ll be in there if he’s ready.”

What appeared to be a lost season for Miami has now turned into a dogfight in a wide-open AFC conference. As perennial contenders like the Chiefs and Ravens have experienced injuries or outright regression, it has opened the door for teams that thought their season might be over in October to put together a run.

Although they still only sit with a below 1% chance to make the postseason at 6-7, McDaniel and the squad believe they might put together one of the greatest final months in Dolphins history.

With four weeks left in their season, they must go undefeated to have any chance of making it to the second week of January. They take on the Steelers next week in Pittsburgh before a pair of home games against the Bengals and the Buccaneers. If they can survive that gauntlet trio, they'll head into Week 18 at 9-7 with a final showdown against the AFC-leading New England Patriots in Foxboro.

Achane this season has already eclipsed over 1,000 yards on the ground with 10 touchdowns in total.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Dolphins head coach makes bold claim about star RB De’Von Achane

Reporting by Tyler Erzberger, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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