Practice Return Raises Offense Hopes for the Miami Dolphins

After a bye week marred by injury setbacks, the Miami Dolphins received a much-needed boost as key offensive players returned to practice this week—reigniting hopes for the team’s high-powered offense heading into the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs. Chief among the returnees is reserve running back Devon Achane, who had been sidelined with a hamstring strain, and right guard Robert Hunt, who missed two games with a knee injury. Their return comes at a critical time for the Dolphins, who rely on depth and versatility to keep their offense dynamic. For a team that had recently faced questions about its ability to sustain offensive dominance amid injuries, these practice returns are more than just roster updates—they’re a sign that the Dolphins’ offense could soon be back at full strength. Practice Return Raises Offense Hopes for the Miami Dolphins explores how these key players’ comebacks are shaping the team’s offensive outlook and what they mean for the playoff push.

Devon Achane’s return to full practice on Wednesday was the most notable bright spot for the Dolphins’ offense. The second-year running back, who suffered a hamstring strain during a bye week conditioning workout, had been expected to miss 1–2 weeks—but his faster-than-anticipated recovery means he could be available for the team’s upcoming game against the New York Jets. Achane’s speed and playmaking ability have been vital to the Dolphins’ run game this season: he’s rushed for 460 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per carry, and his ability to split out wide as a receiver adds a layer of complexity to Miami’s offense. During practice, Achane participated in all team drills, including handoff sequences with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and pass-catching reps out of the backfield. “Having Devon back changes the way defenses have to prepare for us,” said offensive coordinator Frank Smith. “His speed forces them to spread out, which opens up holes for Raheem [Mostert] and gives Tua more options in the passing game.” Achane’s return also eases depth concerns at running back, where the Dolphins had been down to just two healthy players (Mostert and Myles Gaskin) before his comeback. Practice Return Raises Offense Hopes for the Miami Dolphins emphasizes that Achane isn’t just a backup—he’s a key piece of the Dolphins’ offensive puzzle, and his return makes the unit more dangerous.

Equally important to the Dolphins’ offensive hopes is the return of right guard Robert Hunt, who participated in limited practice this week after missing two games with a knee injury. Hunt, a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman, is a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ offensive line—one of the best in the NFL at run blocking and pass protection. Without Hunt, the Dolphins’ run game saw a noticeable drop-off: they averaged 112 rushing yards per game in his absence, down from 142 yards per game when he’s on the field. His return is expected to stabilize the right side of the line, which had been staffed by reserve Liam Eichenberg during his absence. During practice, Hunt focused on run-blocking drills, working alongside center Connor Williams and right tackle Austin Jackson to reestablish the line’s chemistry. “Robert is the kind of lineman who makes everyone around him better,” said head coach Mike McDaniel. “He’s a physical presence in the run game, and his ability to protect Tua in pass situations is crucial. Having him back in the lineup will make our entire offense more consistent.” Hunt’s return also comes at a time when the Dolphins are preparing to face teams with strong defensive lines (like the Buffalo Bills in Week 18), making his pass protection skills even more valuable. Practice Return Raises Offense Hopes for the Miami Dolphins highlights that a healthy offensive line is the foundation of the Dolphins’ offense, and Hunt’s comeback strengthens that foundation.

The Miami Dolphins’ offense didn’t just get healthier this week—it also showed signs of refining key aspects of its game during practice, thanks in part to the returning players. With Achane back, the team has resumed practicing its “speed option” packages—plays that use Achane’s quickness to stretch the defense and create mismatches. During one drill, Tagovailoa handed off to Achane on a sweep, and the running back used his speed to beat Jets linebackers to the edge for a long gain—a play that had been absent from Miami’s playbook during Achane’s injury. The return of Hunt has also allowed the Dolphins to reintroduce their “power run” sets, which rely on the offensive line’s ability to push defensive linemen back and create holes for Mostert and Achane. “We’re not just getting players back—we’re getting our full offensive identity back,” Smith said. The Miami Dolphins’ practice sessions also focused on red zone efficiency, an area where the team had struggled slightly during the bye week setbacks. With Achane and Hunt back, the Dolphins scored on 8 of 10 red zone possessions in practice, a marked improvement from their 65% red zone conversion rate in the two games without Hunt. Practice Return Raises Offense Hopes for the Miami Dolphins shows that the returning players aren’t just filling roster spots—they’re helping the Dolphins rediscover the offensive rhythm that made them one of the league’s most feared units.

The return of key offensive players has also had a noticeable impact on the Miami Dolphins’ team morale, which had dipped slightly after the bye week injuries. During practice, players were more energetic, with Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill seen celebrating with Achane after a successful play. Hill, who has been the Dolphins’ offensive leader all season, said the team’s mood shifted as soon as Achane and Hunt stepped back on the field. “When you see your brothers back out there, it gives everyone a boost,” Hill said. “We know how important those guys are to our success, and their return makes us believe we can do something special this season.” The positive energy extended beyond the offensive unit, with defensive players stopping to watch offensive drills and cheer on their teammates. This camaraderie is crucial for the Miami Dolphins, who have emphasized team culture under McDaniel. “Football is a team sport, and when one unit gets healthier, it lifts the entire team,” McDaniel said. “The energy at practice this week has been incredible, and that’s going to translate to the field on game day.” Practice Return Raises Offense Hopes for the Miami Dolphins underscores that while talent and strategy are important, morale and unity can be just as impactful—especially as the team heads into the high-pressure playoff stretch.

Finally, the practice returns of Achane and Hunt have solidified the Miami Dolphins’ status as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, as they now have a healthier, more complete offense to pair with their strong defense. Before the injuries, the Dolphins’ offense ranked 3rd in the NFL in total yards and 4th in points scored; with key players back, there’s no reason they can’t reclaim that top-tier status. The team’s upcoming schedule also works in their favor: they face the Jets (a rebuilding team) and the Bills (a division rival, but one the Dolphins already beat earlier this season) in their final two regular-season games, giving them a chance to build momentum heading into the playoffs. “We always knew we had the talent to compete for a championship,” Tagovailoa said. “Now, with everyone getting healthy, we have the opportunity to prove it.” The Miami Dolphins’ front office has also shown confidence in the team’s offensive potential, recently signing veteran running back Leonard Fournette to the practice squad as additional depth—a move that provides insurance if any other injuries occur. Practice Return Raises Offense Hopes for the Miami Dolphins concludes that while the bye week setbacks were a challenge, the team’s ability to bounce back with key practice returns is a testament to its resilience. For Dolphins fans, this means the best of the team’s offense may still be ahead—and that’s a thrilling prospect as the playoffs approach.