It appears that last season’s leader in touchdowns, Raheem Mostert, will be forced to miss a second straight game.
So, if the Miami Dolphins running back does sit out Week 3, what becomes of the team’s situation in the backfield?
Will Raheem Mostert Be Active in Week 3?
Mostert was injured in the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. After sitting out last week’s game against the Buffalo Bills and being a limited participant in practice all week, he is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Mostert had formed a dominating one-two punch in the backfield with De’Von Achane. Last season, while Mostert led the NFL in scrimmage touchdowns with 21, Achane averaged nearly eight yards per touch (7.7) as a rookie.
When he spoke to the media on Friday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel described himself as “pessimistic” about having Mostert on the field in Week 3.
While it would not be completely unexpected, not having Mostert on the field Sunday would be a difficult blow for a Dolphins team already missing starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with a concussion.
Since the start of the 2022 season, the Dolphins have played five games — including the playoffs — with someone other than Tagovailoa as the starting quarterback. In those games, Miami has just a 1-4 record, averaging fewer than 20 points a game (19.2) and having more interceptions (7) than touchdown passes (5).
Having as many healthy players on the field for backup quarterback Skylar Thompson is important if the Dolphins want to remain competitive this season. Yes, the Dolphins — and fantasy managers — do have options at the running back position, but with so many key players out on offense, how long can the team keep its head above water?
Potential Fantasy Options if Mostert Is Out
One effect of losing Mostert would likely be an increased workload for Achane, which would certainly benefit fantasy managers who preferred to have both in their lineups.
Many fantasy managers have enjoyed emulating the one-two punch in the same manner as the Dolphins enjoy the combo.
Achane has been outstanding so far, with 20+ fantasy points in each of the first two games. And last week, without Mostert in the lineup, Achane had 29.5 fantasy points, the second-highest scoring game for Achane in his young NFL career.
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In terms of scoring average in fantasy, only Alvin Kamara (33.0 PPG) is averaging more than Achane (26.2).
Plus, Achane has proven he can handle an increased workload. He has had three games in his career in which he had 20 or more touches, including last week. And in those three games, Achane has averaged a combined 35.4 fantasy points per game.
Veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. would most likely backup Achane if Mostert cannot go.
But this doesn’t appear to be much of an option for fantasy managers, since he has compiled a total of 5.8 fantasy points this season.
Stats in this article are from TruMedia unless otherwise stated