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?
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.
It’s unfortunate that Achane didn’t return, but 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.
“He was hurting, but he was available to come back in the game in an emergency,” McDaniel said. “You worry about breaks — that takes time. Didn’t see that, but he will be getting treatment. He was available to come back in the game. I just chose not to put him in.”
ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe reported positive news about Achane’s injury. “Dolphins RB De’Von Achane rib injury Sunday came from falling on ball. He was adamant to Mike McDaniel he could have returned to game and he’s highly motivated to play next Monday vs. Steelers. No fracture, he had MRI. Just treatment and maybe a little practice rest. Good news.”
McDaniel didn’t commit one way or the other to Achane’s availability for next week’s game against Pittsburgh but was confident in Miami’s ability to uphold its standard without him if need be. “I’ll push all the burden onto the trainers and push him as much as he can,” he said. “But the good news is, as you guys saw, we do have some other players to hand the ball off to as well. So, I promise you — he’ll be in there if he’s ready”.
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.
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. His 40.5-point explosion in Week 10 against Buffalo marked one of the best fantasy performances of the season.
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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 maintain his incredible fantasy season for managers still competing in the playoffs.
