“We’ll see how it plays out,” the Phins’ HC Mike McDaniel said about RB Devon Achane, who’s rocking a questionable tag with that ankle sprain. His status for tonight’s big showdown against the Buffs is still up in the air. Will he be suiting up for the game? Spoiler alert: It’s looking likely!

National NFL insider Ian Rapoport just dropped the word on X that the Phins’ speedy RB’s dealing with an ankle sprain but plans to test it out during pregame warm-ups before facing off against the Bills. “Devon Achane, dealing with an ankle sprain, will work out pregame tonight to determine his availability against the #Bills,” he tweeted.

Here’s the kicker—even with the short week and that nagging ankle, there’s some serious optimism Achane will take the field. After all, he had solid practice yesterday, and it sounds like he’s itching to go. Rapoport and NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe are pretty positive, though—but again, it’s all about how the RB’s feeling at kickoff.

So, what’s the story? Miami’s been slammed with injuries, especially in the backfield. On a short week (and a shorter roster), they’re gearing up for the Bills—who’ve owned this rivalry lately. The Buffs are 11-1 against the Phins in their last 12 meetings, so Miami already has their work cut out for them. But with RB, Raheem Mostert ruled out due to a chest injury and Achane nursing that ankle, things are not looking great on the RB front.

Achane racked up 24 yards on 10 carries and a TD in Week 1. Plus, his knack for catching passes (7 grabs for 76 yards) could be a legit game-changer. Even if he’s a bit banged up. But with all this uncertainty, someone else has to step up, right?

Entered Jeff Wilson. He quietly led the team in rushing against the Jags last week (5 carries for 26 yards), including a solid 14-yard run—the Dolphins’ longest rush of the game. So, in Achane’s absence, Jeff Wilson could slide into the primary role.

There’s another name to keep an eye on: rookie Deuce Wright. He was inactive for Week 1 (Achane was, too, during his rookie debut), but this guy could be Miami’s ace in the hole. Wright put up 1,013 yards and 4 TDs last year at Tennessee, with a ridiculous 7.4 yards per carry. If Devon Achane sits out, don’t be shocked if Wright makes some noise.

Bottom line: If the 22-year-old doesn’t suit up, expect Jeff Wilson or even rookie Deuce Wright to take over the backfield duties. Tonight’s matchup’s one to watch, and so is Devon Achane’s injury history. 

Devon Achane’s injury rollercoaster 

Devon Achane and the injury bug? Well yeah, they’ve gotten a little too cozy. It all kicked off back in Nov. 2022, when the Texas A&M standout went down with a left foot injury against Florida, sidelining him for two weeks. Fast forward to the NFL preseason the next year, and BAM—carted off with a shoulder sprain against the Texans. But guess what? By Week 2 of the regular season, he was back. Resilient? You bet.

But, man, the hits just kept coming. Week 5 against the Giants in 2023—Achane sprains his MCL, landing him on IR. After a chunk of missed time, he fought back yet again, only to tweak his ankle in week 1 of 2024.

Now, the million-dollar question: can Achane dodge the injury bug long enough to be the playmaker Miami knows he can be? The Phins are keeping their fingers crossed that he stays on-field and breaks out this season. If not? Well, it’s someone else’s chance to take the team to victory.