Injuries for the RB position have been especially brutal in fantasy football this season. On a positive note, some big names are poised to return to the field. What are the injury updates with De’Von Achane, Khalil Herbert, and Alexander Mattison heading into Week 11?
RB Injury Updates
De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins rookie RB Achane has only played four games and is still the RB23 on the year. Fantasy managers who snagged Achane are excited about his return, and it is looking to be soon. On Monday, the Dolphins announced that Achane is designated for return from injured reserve (IR), and his 21-day practice window has been opened.
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He could return on Sunday against Las Vegas, but nothing is certain. Early during his stint on IR, coach Mike McDaniel mentioned that he saw Achane’s absence as being a four-week stay, so hopefully that opinion will stand. Achane returned to practice with the team on Monday, and fantasy managers patiently await more news.
If Achane is still sidelined in Week 11, expect the Raheem Mostert show once again.
Editor’s note: Achane has returned to practice on Wednesday.
Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears
We haven’t seen Khalil Herbert on the football field since Week 5 against Washington, where he hurt his ankle. He was designated to return from IR last week and was a full participant in practice, but he was not activated and did not play in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers.
It is uncertain whether he had a setback in his recovery, but this week’s practice reports should be telling regarding his return. If Herbert has to miss another game, expect D’Onta Foreman to be the RB1 once again, with some Roschon Johnson and Darrynton Evans sprinkled in.
Foreman has been more than serviceable as an RB that managers no doubt grabbed off the waiver wire — he was the RB12 in Week 10.
Editor’s note: Herbert was limited in practice on Wednesday for the Bears.
Alexander Mattison, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Vikings RB Alexander Mattison left Sunday’s game against New Orleans in the third quarter due to concussion symptoms. He did not return. He left the game with 27 yards on the ground and six yards receiving. Mattison entered the league’s concussion protocol on Monday, and it is uncertain if he will be available to play in Week 11, as it has been unusual for players to clear protocol in one week.
The Vikings reacted by signing veteran Myles Gaskin to backup Ty Chandler, who took over the backfield when Mattison left on Sunday. Chandler finished with a solid game, 45 yards rushing and one TD.
Editor’s note: Per head coach Kevin O’Connell, Mattison is doing “real well” and it is possible he could play Sunday night. “We’ll make sure that if Alex is able to go, it’s because he’s completely and totally medically cleared and feels great about going out there against Denver,” per O’Connell.
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