Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert looks set to miss his second straight game after being tagged as doubtful by the team after their final practice on Friday. Mostert is still dealing with the chest injury that he suffered in the first game of the season. Should fantasy football managers expect to have the veteran RB in Week 3, and where else could they look in the Dolphins’ offense?
Will Raheem Mostert Play in Week 3 vs. the Seahawks?
Raheem Mostert was limited all week in practice, raising hopes that he might at least get tagged as questionable on the Dolphins’ final injury report. Unfortunately, that was not the case, and instead, he gets a doubtful tag that few RBs play through.
Dolphins Final Week 3 Injury Report pic.twitter.com/FYJJ9AcWx3
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) September 20, 2024
With this game being a 4 p.m. ET kickoff, it is probably better for fantasy managers that we have this clarity now rather than having to worry about it right up until kickoff. We may actually get the answer on Saturday, as the Dolphins may decide that Mostert is not healthy enough to travel with the team and rule him out before they fly.
When asked about Mostert, head coach Mike McDaniel winced a little and told reporters, “We will see with Raheem, but I am an optimistic person, so I would say I would be pessimistic that he would play, but I cannot rule it out.”
That answer, while loaded with twists, is pretty indicative that the team is not going to rush Mostert onto the field in Week 3. If he can prove to them tomorrow that he could play, then he has a chance to at least travel, but fantasy managers should prepare to be without him.
Should You Start Mostert in Fantasy Lineups?
In Week 1, Mostert played 44% of the snaps. This split was similar to the one he had with Achane last season, except Achane played more 1A to Mostert’s 1B, playing 52% of the snaps.
Given Achane’s electric performance in Week 2, totaling 165 yards and a touchdown on 29 touches, I can’t envision this being a pure timeshare when Mostert returns. Mostert will still have fantasy value, but he is more a touchdown-or-bust RB3 than the weekly RB1 he was in 2023.
The Seahawks are allowing 4.7 yards per carry to opposing rushers. They’re not exactly an imposing defense.
However, with Skylar Thompson at quarterback, opponents can key in on stopping the run, forcing the backup to beat them through the air.
I am not optimistic about Mostert’s fantasy outlook if he does suit up this Sunday.
Who Are the Other Fantasy Options To Consider on the Dolphins?
We all know about De’Von Achane and how good he is. If Mostert is out, then Achane becomes an even better fantasy option than he would be with Mostert. The second-year RB has a legitimate top-five upside as the undisputed lead back. Last week, he posted 96 rushing yards on 22 attempts and added 69 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions.
Behind Achane on the Dolphins’ depth chart are Jaylen Wright and Jeff Wilson Jr. With Wilson dealing with his own injury concerns last week, Wright carried the ball five times for four yards and was not used in the passing game. Wilson got two targets and turned them into 12 receiving yards on the two receptions.
That is fairly inconclusive, and even with Wilson now healthy, it is tough to see either of these having significant fantasy value. Achane should soak up the majority of the RB touches, and with the potential for a negative game script, this offense could be very pass-heavy in the second half. That would suit Wilson, so he gets a slight bump over Wright this week in terms of deep-league fantasy options.
