Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane suffered a torn ACL during a Sunday loss to the Chiefs. The injury halts a season that began with two quiet weeks and leaves Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright to manage the backfield during his absence.
Summer fantasy drafts carried high hopes for De’Von Achane, but his fortunes shifted dramatically in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. Turning 25 next month, the explosive running back managed to appear in 44 of a possible 51 games during his first three years in the league, largely putting unfounded injury concerns to rest. Yet, this knee injury introduces real uncertainty about whether a player of his size and explosive profile can return with his athleticism fully intact.
Backfield Shifts in Miami Without Achane
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With Achane sidelined, the Dolphins turn to a backfield committee featuring Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright. Heading into the season, expectations pointed toward Wright carrying the mail and Gordon changing the pace. However, Wright is currently week to week with a foot injury, opening the door for Gordon. After handling 20 touches in Week 3 in Wright’s absence, Gordon currently sits in the driver’s seat for fantasy managers hunting for waiver options. Nevertheless, reporting indicates that Miami will not rely on a single-back solution, meaning both players will see the football once Wright returns to health.
Baker Mayfield and Tampa Bay Face Mounting Injuries
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield endured his third straight and most painful performance of the season on Sunday, absorbing six sacks and posting a 50.0 completion percentage alongside miscommunications with Emeka Egbuka. To compound matters, Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand. Backup duties fall to 23-year-old rookie undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels, raising questions about accuracy and decision-making for the offense.
The offensive woes deepened when 33-year-old wide receiver Mike Evans was carted off the field with a mid-section injury. While the team announced it as a rib issue, they also noted it might involve his oblique. Evans missed nine games last season and has already dealt with a hip problem, along with quad and abductor concerns during camp. His potential absence leaves behind an undermanned skill corps combining Jacob Cowing, KhaDarel Hodge, and Jordan Watkins alongside Deebo Samuel and George Kittle.
Breece Hall Thigh Injury Creates Backfield Void
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The injury wave also caught up with the New York Jets, as running back Breece Hall sustained a thigh injury. Head coach Aaron Glenn stated that he will not update the situation before Wednesday’s injury report, leaving fantasy managers and observers in an information vacuum. In NFL terms, a thigh designation typically signals a severe bruise or a potential quad issue. While managers await clarity between now and Tuesday evening’s waivers run, Braelon Allen stands ready as either a potential league-winner or bench stash if Hall misses a game or two.
