Dolphins RB De’Von Achane Lands on Week 15 Injury Report with Rib Issue
The Miami Dolphins are adding a key name to their Week 15 injury report - running back De’Von Achane, who is dealing with a rib injury sustained in the team’s dominant Week 14 win over the New York Jets.
Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that Achane will be limited in practice this week as he works through the injury. The good news?
It doesn’t sound overly serious. McDaniel described Achane’s return to the field as a “gradual increase in activity and physicality,” signaling that the team is optimistic about his availability heading into Monday night.
Achane exited the Week 14 game after picking up the rib issue and didn’t return - but not because he couldn’t. The rookie speedster said postgame that he could’ve gone back in if the game had been tighter. Considering the Dolphins were in full control from start to finish in their 34-10 rout of the Jets, there was no need to risk further injury.
The timing of the injury - and the Dolphins’ schedule - might actually work in Achane’s favor. With Miami not playing until Monday, he gets an extra day to rest and ramp up. And the fact that he’s starting the week with limited practice participation rather than sitting out entirely is a strong early indicator that he’s trending in the right direction.
Still, his status will be worth monitoring closely as the week progresses.
Why Achane’s Availability Matters - A Lot
This isn’t just about one player. Achane’s availability has real implications for both the Dolphins’ playoff push and fantasy football managers across the country.
Let’s start with the Dolphins. Despite a rocky start to the season, Miami is still in the thick of the playoff hunt.
The margin for error is razor-thin, but they’re not out of it yet. Every game matters, and having Achane on the field could be the difference between keeping the postseason dream alive or watching it slip away.
Achane has been a game-changer when healthy this season, bringing explosive speed and big-play potential to Miami’s already high-octane offense. His ability to flip the field in a single touch forces defenses to stay honest - and opens up everything else for Mike McDaniel’s scheme.
Now, let’s talk fantasy. If you’re still playing in Week 15, chances are you’re in the playoffs - and Achane has been a fantasy stud.
He currently ranks as the RB4 overall, which puts him firmly in must-start territory. His combination of efficiency, touchdown upside, and receiving work has made him one of the most valuable assets in fantasy football this season.
So yeah - his availability this week? Kind of a big deal.
If Achane Can’t Go, Who Steps Up?
If Achane isn’t able to suit up, the Dolphins will likely lean on Ollie Gordon to carry the load. Gordon has been the clear-cut No. 2 in Miami’s backfield rotation and has consistently been the first man up when Achane has missed time.
Yes, Jaylen Wright saw a heavy workload after Achane exited last week - racking up 24 carries - but most of that came in garbage time with the game well in hand. In competitive situations, it’s been Gordon who gets the nod. The coaching staff clearly trusts him in meaningful moments, and that trust has shown up in his usage all season.
So while Wright might see some touches, Gordon would likely be the lead back if Achane is sidelined.
Bottom Line
De’Von Achane’s rib injury is something to watch, but the early signs suggest the Dolphins are hopeful he’ll be ready for Week 15. With an extra day to recover and a limited practice already on the books, there’s reason for optimism.
Still, in a playoff race where every snap counts - and in a fantasy postseason where every point matters - his status will remain one of the key storylines to track heading into the weekend.