Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane is out this week and beyond after test results revealed a knee injury that, while not major, is also not insignificant, per multiple reports.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!
De’Von Achane Injury Update
Achane got hurt in the second half of Sunday’s Dolphins win over the New York Giants, and while he tried to tough it out, the team’s medical staff was concerned enough that they sent him for further examination.
While the exact nature of Achane’s injury was not available as of Tuesday morning, both ESPN and NFL Media reported that Achane will miss multiple weeks. The team is reportedly still deciding whether or not to place Achane — whose 460 rushing yards lead the AFC — on injured reserve (IR).
UPDATED (Oct. 11): ESPN reported Wednesday that Achane will indeed go on IR.
Putting Achane on injured reserve would gives him nearly six weeks to heal. The Dolphins have games the next four weekends, and then their bye.
Sources: Dolphins placing RB De’Von Achane on injured reserve due to his knee.
Achane now will miss the Dolphins’ next four games – Carolina, at Philadelphia, New England, at Kansas City.
With the team’s bye in Week 10, he will be eligible to next play Week 11 vs. the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/UobF3JEWeH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2023
Tuesday’s news should have come as little surprise to close observers of the Dolphins. During his Monday news conference, head coach Mike McDaniel was intentionally vague about the severity of Achane’s injury.
Achane’s injury will almost certainly mean the return this week of running back Jeff Wilson Jr., who is eligible to come off of IR at any time. Wilson missed the first five weeks of the season with a midsection injury.
Fantasy Impact From Achane’s Injury
Raheem Mostert has been a top-10 running back in three of the past four weeks, and if he assumes just half of Achane’s work, he will be flirting with 20 touches in an offense that has been as productive through five games as any in NFL history.
In this spot, Mostert is a top-15 RB regardless of matchup and a top-10 play this weekend against a Panthers defense that ranks 28th in yards per carry allowed (4.9).
MORE: Latest on Jalen Ramsey, Nik Needham, and Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Wilson’s role as he comes off of IR is a question mark, but he could see extended work sooner rather than later as a result of this injury. With a history of injuries himself, the touch count will be kept in check, but even 8-12 touches in this offense are enough to make Wilson a Flex option while Achane is sidelined.
I’m slotting him ahead of a back like Tyler Allgeier — someone with a reasonable role but comes with much less offensive upside. Wilson’s value could come more in Week 7 than in Week 6, as we will have a better idea of his health and with six teams on a bye.