It’s been a rough week for the Miami Dolphins leading running backs and their fantasy football managers. Everything seemed fine until the first injury report was released with both De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert listed as non-participants. On a short week, that is never ideal, and now we’re left wondering whether Achane will even suit up this week due to his ankle injury.
Let’s look at Achane’s latest injury updates and consider whether fantasy managers should rely on him tonight.
Is De’Von Achane Playing Tonight Against the Bills?
UPDATE: De’Von Achane is active for Thursday Night Football
The situation with Achane’s injury doesn’t seem as clear-cut as with Mostert, which likely explains why he is questionable, and Mostert has been ruled out. Achane was listed as a non-participant on both Monday and Tuesday but was able to practice in a limited fashion on Wednesday, giving him a shot to play.
Bills-Dolphins final injury report pic.twitter.com/N4PycFShJi
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) September 11, 2024
It’s worth noting that the Dolphins did not practice on Monday before holding walkthroughs on Tuesday and Wednesday. Therefore, all of the practice reports are estimations of activity. With a short week, it’s hardly surprising to see Miami being cautious about Achane’s injury.
Entering Thursday, it’s really unknown whether Achane will be active. If he is, how much will he do?
This is a dangerous spot for fantasy managers because if Achane is active and playing at close to full speed, he’s a must-start. But on a short week, with an injury, there’s a good chance we don’t see much of the second-year back.
Normally, with Mostert out, Achane would be a must-start, but the injury situation has changed that considerably.
Achane’s Fantasy Outlook for Week 2 vs. the Bills
After Mostert got the first touch, Achane received the next two and picked up 39 yards in the process. I liked seeing him cash in a goal-line carry, but it was the paying off of preseason hype in terms of pass-game usage that caught my attention.
Achane caught seven passes in the season opener after seeing 5+ targets just once as a rookie. The snap share (53.8%) has room to grow, though if it didn’t happen last week with Jaylen Wright inactive, I don’t know how you can realistically count on that.
First 113 career carries:
- LaDainian Tomlinson: 441 yards and six TDs
- De’Von Achane: 824 yards and nine TDs
– Kyle Soppe, Fantasy Football Analyst
If Achane Misses the Game, Jaylen Wright and Jeff Wilson Jr. Will Both Benefit
Mostert’s absence alone puts both of these running backs on the Flex radar, and should Achane be limited, the push for a top-30 ranking will begin.
My lean is to favor the rookie in this situation. Wright is the more explosive player who gives this offense the versatility it thrives on. Wilson is a steadying force and would likely split the available work with Wright, but I’m confident that the per-touch production will slant in the rookie’s favor.
The Buffalo Bills have allowed the third-most yards per carry after contact to opposing running backs since the beginning of last season. If they can’t wrap up Wright, we could see glimpses of rookie Achane in a different jersey number.
– Soppe