Preparations are underway for your Thanksgiving feast next week, and good news is on the horizon. One of your invites is prepared to have a seat at the table. Much like that family member who always lights up the room, De'Von Achane is coming to brighten your fantasy team's outlook heading into Week 11...maybe. Alexander Mattison, Dameon Pierce, and Khalil Herbert are naturally trying to bring the mood down because misery loves company.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these key RBs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 11 fantasy landscape.
For the latest on banged-up WRs Justin Jefferson, Nico Collins, Diontae Johnson, and Keenan Allen, go here. For news on hurting TEs Dallas Goedert and Pat Freiermuth, click here.
WEEK 11 FANTASY ADVICE: Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start-sit
De'Von Achane injury update, Week 11 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reported Thursday that Achane will play in Week 11.
Achane (knee) had his 21-day practice window opened earlier in the week and officially returned to the field on Wednesday. The running back logged a limited day of practice, but it was a step in the right direction. Regardless, there seems to be optimism surrounding Achane at this point, but head coach Mike McDaniel was noncommittal about anything in relation to his Week 11 status. McDaniel added they feel good about where he's at, and if Achane is ready to go, then he'll play.
With the Dolphins sitting atop the AFC East and still having a few more weeks before they have to activate the rookie running back, fantasy owners should exercise caution in Week 11. Based on how other teams have handled injuries this season, it wouldn't be shocking to see the Dolphins hold him out for another week. However, the initial expectation was that Achane would only miss four games, so we wouldn't expect him to be too limited upon return. If he plays, the running back is far too explosive to keep on the bench. Our only concern at that point would be Miami's never-ending list of serviceable running backs. Even still, Achane was the breakout star before the injury and should remain in that spot going forward. It doesn't hurt that Raheem Mostert (ankle, knee) is also banged up.
WEEK 11 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Alexander Mattison injury update, Week 11 fantasy outlook
Mattison (concussion) unsurprisingly did not practice on Wednesday. After suffering a concussion on Sunday, Week 11 always appeared to be a long shot, at best. Since Mattison would need to log a practice to clear the protocol, he only has two more chances to do so, but it's clear the odds are very much against him now. Most players who have suffered concussions this season haven't been able to return the following week, so we will proceed as if the Vikings' running back is already ruled out.
Assuming Mattison is sidelined, Ty Chandler would be in line to start against the Broncos on Sunday night. Chandler began the year as RB2 behind Mattison, only to drop to RB3 after the team acquired Cam Akers. With Akers (Achilles) out for the year and Mattison on the shelf, it's now Chandler's backfield until further notice. The Vikings aren't a team that's been capable of running the ball this year, and the pass-first approach on offense further indicates that. Despite a large workload, Mattison has been underwhelming as the top back. That reality caps Chandler's ceiling, but the volume is more than enough to warrant an RB2/flex spot against the worst run defense in the NFL.
WEEK 11 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Dameon Pierce injury update, Week 11 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Pierce was held out of practice again on Thursday.
Pierce (ankle) once again failed to practice on Wednesday. The situation surrounding the Texans' running back is a curious one considering it seemed like he had a real chance of playing two weeks ago. At the time, the debate was whether a week of rest was the best course of action. Now, it's looking like we could be on to the third week of Pierce watch. News has been hard to come by for the running back, with no real clarity on the extent of the injury.
As long as Pierce remains sidelined, it will be Devin Singletary's backfield. The Texans continue to rely mostly on the arm of C.J. Stroud, leaving the backfield mostly a mess for fantasy purposes. Singletary scored a touchdown and turned in a 150-yard performance on 30 carries last week, but that is more of an outlier at this point than anything else. However, with Houston's offense on fire and a matchup against Arizona's 28th-ranked run defense, Singletary is a borderline must-start.
WEEK 11 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
Khalil Herbert injury update, Week 11 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: Herbert turned in a full practice on Thursday.
Herbert (ankle, shin) appeared to be in line for a potential Week 10 return before eventually being ruled out ahead of Chicago's Thursday night matchup against Carolina. That glimmer of hope seemed to pave the way for the Bears running back to return to game action in Week 11 after logging full practices in the lead-up to Thursday. However, Herbert has since added a shin injury to the list and was downgraded to limited at Wednesday's practice. It's always concerning when a player suffers a setback in status, so this one will be worth monitoring as the week continues.
D'Onta Foreman continues to hold down the Bears' backfield as long as Herbert is out, but what happens when the running back returns remains to be seen. Rookie Roschon Johnson hasn't been as effective as the team would've hoped, further clouding this team's outlook. We're likely heading for a game of musical chairs when Herbert returns, making this backfield one to avoid if possible. If you're in need of a starting option, Foreman is likely your best bet for now.
