Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense will have to deal with one of the Miami Dolphins recently injured stars in Week 15.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense was able to slow down the Baltimore Ravens run-heavy offense enough to get the 27-22 win in Week 14. However, it doesn’t look like things aren’t going to get any easier for the unit next week.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that star running back De’Von Achane, who exited their win over the New York Jets with an injury, could have returned in an emergency and will likely be available for their upcoming matchup against the Steelers on Monday Night Football.
“I promise you, he’ll be in there if he’s ready,” McDaniel said, per Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.
Mike McDaniel said Dolphins RB De’Von Achane was available to return in an emergency — he chose not to put him back in the game
As for his availability next week vs the Steelers:
“I promise you, he’ll be in there if he’s ready.”
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) December 7, 2025
If Achane is, in fact, healthy enough to suit up next week, it certainly bodes bad news for Pittsburgh. It’s defense has struggled mightily against the run as of late.
The unit allowed the Ravens to rush for 217 yards this week and 249 yards rushing against the Buffalo Bills last week, which was the most at Pittsburgh by an opposing team since 1975 (Buffalo – 310 yards on 9/28/75).
Meanwhile, Achane has been arguably the Dolphins best player on offense, rushing for 1,126 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns through 13 games. He has also recorded 55 catches for 383 yards and another four touchdowns.
To make matters worse, the Steelers also saw two of their starting defenders exit Sunday’s game. Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton left the game with an ankle injury and linebacker Patrick Queen suffered a hip injury.
Both players were able to return to the game, but both of their statuses will be worth monitoring throughout the week, especially now with Achane likely back in Miami’s starting lineup.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Dolphins Likely to Get Back Key Starter vs. Steelers
