Dolphins coach signals historic workload for Achane amid roster overhaul
With Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa departed, Miami’s new leadership positions De’Von Achane as the central offensive pillar, raising the possibility of challenging long-standing NFL records.
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley has indicated that running back De’Von Achane could be deployed for 40 to 45 touches per game during the 2026 season. The comment, made during an interview with Rich Eisen, underscores a strategic shift within the organisation following a significant reconstruction of the roster.
The Dolphins have moved away from their previous high-profile personnel, cutting Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa, and trading Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos. These changes have positioned Achane as the primary offensive weapon, supported by new quarterback Malik Willis and a receiving corps that includes rookies Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Will Kacmarek, and Seydou Traore.
Hafley, who arrived from the Green Bay Packers, emphasised the physical demands this approach would place on the 24-year-old running back. He joked that he might need to carry Achane back to the locker room due to fatigue, noting that the player must be in peak condition to sustain such a heavy involvement in the game plan.
If Achane achieves this level of usage, he would challenge the NFL single-game record of 48 touches, held jointly by James Wilder and LaDainian Tomlinson. On a season-long basis, averaging 29 touches per game would allow him to match the 1984 record of 493 touches, a mark that has stood for over four decades.
General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has described Achane as a foundational building block for the franchise, a sentiment reinforced by the player’s four-year, $64 million contract extension signed in May. The Dolphins have completed nine practice sessions during the first two weeks of training camp at the Baptist Health Training Complex and Hard Rock Stadium as they prepare for the new season.
