Dolphins Get Big RB Advantage

The Miami Dolphins benefited from two significant developments involving running backs Friday.

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans linebacker Ernest Jones IV (53) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. / Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Two significant developments occurred Friday involving running backs in the Miami Dolphins Week 7 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, and both of them favored the Dolphins.

And neither came as much of a surprise.

After practicing for a third consecutive day (and being listed as a full participant the first two), Achane told reporters he had cleared the concussion protocol, which he entered because of a hit he took in the Dolphins' last game against the New England Patriots in Week 5.

That means that barring unforeseen circumstances, Achane will be in the lineup for the Dolphins when they face the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium and attempt to even their season record to 3-3.

The other news involved the Colts, and head coach Shane Steichen indicated that Jonathan Taylor was being ruled out of the game Sunday.

Taylor will miss a third consecutive game because he sustained a high ankle sprain in the Colts' 27-24 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers when he rushed for 88 yards.

This is a significant loss for the Colts, with Taylor leading the team in rushing with 349 yards, including 100-yard outings against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 and the Chicago Bears in Week 3.

Taylor's backup, Trey Sermon, is dealing with a knee injury, but third-stringer Tyler Goodson had 51 yards on eight carries in the Colts' 20-17 victory against the Tennessee Titans last Sunday.

The Colts will have quarterback Anthony Richardson back in the lineup for the first time since that Pittsburgh game, but the Colts have a very good backup in veteran Joe Flacco, so Taylor's being out might not have as significant a potential impact on Sunday's game