The Miami Dolphins prepare for their Week 15 Monday Night Football matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers following their dominant victory over the New York Jets. De’Von Achane left last week’s game with a rib injury and didn’t play the entire second half. Will fantasy football managers have their star running back available this week?
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De’Von Achane Injury Update
Achane had been healthy all season before exiting Week 14. He left last week’s game with a rib injury after a 29-yard run in the second quarter. The injury occurred when Achane fell on the ball while battling for yardage.​
Achane immediately took himself out of the game after the run and eventually went back to the locker room with a member of the team’s medical staff. With the Dolphins leading 24-7 at halftime, he did not return for the second half. Miami initially listed him as questionable to return, but Achane remained on the sideline for the remainder of the contest.​
All news since then has been positive. Head coach Mike McDaniel said after the game that Achane could have gone back in. With the Dolphins having the game in hand, there was no reason to push him.​
ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe also reported positive news about Achane’s injury. Achane had an MRI on Monday that showed no fracture. He told McDaniel he was uncomfortable Sunday but already feeling better. Achane even said himself that he could have returned to the game against the Jets if needed.​
McDaniel said just now that only treatment and rest are needed for Achane. He’s highly motivated to play Monday, McDaniel said.
The Dolphins play on Monday night so we won’t get an official practice report on Wednesday. Their first practice will be on Thursday.
Miami will face Pittsburgh on Monday night in Week 15, so while that will afford Achane more rest. It will also delay the next official update on the running back’s status until Thursday.​
Expect Achane to appear on the injury report when the Dolphins practice Thursday. Hopefully, he will be listed as limited as opposed to DNP. Head coach Mike McDaniel revealed that Achane needs treatment, which could affect his practice participation this week.​
Achane’s Fantasy Outlook
Achane has been incredible this season. He’s scored 16 or more fantasy points in all but one game. His lowest output was 12.8 points in Week 7 against Cleveland. He’s never finished below 12 fantasy points this season.​
Last week, Achane stretched his RB1 weekly finish streak to six consecutive games. He only played 34% of snaps before leaving with the rib injury. Through 13 games, Achane has rushed for 1,126 yards with seven touchdowns on 193 carries. He has added 55 receptions for 383 yards with four receiving touchdowns.​
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Thankfully, players are often able to return the following week after rib injuries. As a result, Achane should be back to his RB1 ways this week against the Steelers.​
The Dolphins are suddenly back in the playoff hunt at 6-7. Miami is tied with the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens for ninth place in the AFC. This means there’s no risk of Achane getting shut down with a minor injury just yet.​
If Achane cannot play, Jaylen Wright would handle the lead role. Wright rushed for 107 yards on 24 carries after Achane exited Sunday’s game. The second-year back demonstrated he can carry the load if needed, though he lacks Achane’s explosiveness and receiving ability.​
Given McDaniel’s postgame comments, Wolfe’s report about no fracture on the MRI, and Achane’s adamant desire to play, fantasy managers should expect him to suit up Monday night. The extra recovery day from the Monday night game gives him additional time to rest and receive treatment. Achane appears on track to continue his incredible fantasy season for managers still competing in the playoffs.​