As we approach Week 6, there are just a handful of legitimate candidates for "Fantasy Football MVP." Chief among them is Dolphins' RB De'Von Achane. Not only was he either a late-round pick or waiver-wire pickup in most leagues, but he's also been fantasy's No. 1 RB since the start of Week 3. Getting that kind of value from a true sleeper is rare, and about the only thing that can stop the rookie speedster is an injury. Well...
Sure enough, in the latest example of why fantasy owners can't have nice things, it was announced on Monday that Achane is undergoing tests for a knee injury. Details are scarce at the moment, but we'll break down everything you need to know ahead of your Week 6 waiver pickups and start 'em, sit 'em decisions.
WEEK 6 FANTASY: Top waiver pickups | FAAB budget planner
De'Von Achane injury update, Week 6 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday morning that Achane will miss "multiple weeks" with a knee injury, but it is not season-ending. Miami is still gathering information and evaluating the next steps. It's possible that he's placed on IR and will miss a minimum of four games.
Dolphins' coach Mike McDaniel threw the fantasy football world into a tizzy on Monday when he announced that Achane is being "evaluated" for a knee injury. Achane reportedly suffered the injury in Week 5 against the Giants but returned to the game. Achane will undergo an MRI to reveal the extent of the damage. When asked if the injury was potentially season-ending, McDaniel said it would be "trivial" to discuss that while still waiting for test results.
WEEK 6 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
That escalated quickly. At this point, no one really knows anything regarding Achane's status, but the mere fact that McDaniel didn't immediately rule out a potentially serious injury is concerning. Even if Achane isn't going to miss the rest of the year, there's little reason for the Dolphins to rush him back for Week 6 against the overmatched Panthers. Miami is favored by almost two touchdowns, so Achane's presence is likely not needed.
WEEK 6 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Fantasy owners should not expect their prized draft pick/waiver-wire pickup to suit up this week. If he does, consider it a bonus. At this point, we're just left to hope he returns before Halloween. There's no point in trying to trade Achane right now because no one will give you fair value, so you just have to hold him and hope for the best. If he is done for the season, drop him and move on in redraft leagues. Otherwise, put him on your bench/IR and wait for his return.
Dolphins RB depth chart
As for the Dolphins, Raheem Mostert will again handle the bulk of the touches if Achane is out. Mostert dominated in the role in Weeks 1-3, leading all RBs with 28 fantasy points per game. He's taken a backseat to Achane the past two games, but he still posted 78 total yards and a score last week. Mostert could also soon have competition from Jeff Wilson Jr. (midsection, finger), who's been on the IR all season. Wilson Jr.'s practice window is expected to open this week, meaning he'll have two weeks to get back on the field. The Dolphins could accelerate that process if Achane is out, making JWJ a priority pickup in all formats.
As it currently stands, Salvon Ahmed would be Mostert's primary handcuff, but he did little in that role in Weeks 1 and 2 (nine touches, 52 total yards), so he's not worth adding in shallow leagues. Deep-leaguers could consider him in a prime matchup against Carolina in Week 6 if Achane and Wilson Jr. are both out, as he could post flex-worthy numbers in garbage time.
