If you drafted Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane relatively high in your fantasy draft, you might be sweating a bit. You should be anyway, because you drafted out of a magazine that was printed in June and didn’t bother to get the latest news on his injured calf.
The latest reports from the Sun Sentinel down in Florida are that Achane will likely play in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, but could be limited.
Head coach Mike McDaniel yesterday offered no insight whatsoever and answered the questions about the running backs in typical Mike McDaniel fashion.
When asked about the Achane situation, he replied “this smells like a fantasy football question. Ollie Gordon is a rookie who is doing a great job…He’ll have zero plays or all the plays, zero yards or all the yards — or somewhere in between.”
McDaniel speaks highly of Ollie Gordon
In all honesty, it seems like McDaniel is tired of answering questions about various aspects of his dysfunctional team. Whether it’s disgruntled veterans who want to be traded, injury situations or something Tyreek Hill just said, he’s constantly being peppered with difficult-to-answer questions.
McDaniel likes to deflect with dry humor, which I think is fantastic. Whether that works as the demeanor for a head coach in the NFL is up for debate. He was even asked about the Darren Waller situation (which I’m sure he’s sick of already…like the rest of us).
We’re only going to use him as a blocker, so tell the Colts that,” McDaniel replied according to the Sun Sentinel’s David Furones.
But, back to the running back situation, McDaniel got serious when talking about Gordon, the sixth-round pick from Oklahoma State.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth. I think that’s one of the guys that took advantage of an inopportune health situation and position, and that opportunity allowed for him to succeed,” he said.
So, should I start De’Von Achane or Ollie Gordon?
For what it’s worth, I’d avoid starting either Achane or Gordon this week against the Colts. Hopefully, you had the foresight to draft a deep team and can use someone else until this running back situation in South Beach sorts itself out.
Last week, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said that Achane should be fine for Week 1.
“All indications for us is that Achane will be ready Week 1 to go,” Grier said.
That was before Achane was limited in practice all week, so take that with a grain of salt at this point.
McDaniel did say that Achane was “absolutely” on track to play Week 1, but how much and for how long? Rotowire does its best to speak McDaniel.
“That aligns with Achane’s previous assertion that he feels 100 percent healthy and that his recent practice limitations were precautionary,” Rotowire writes. “Friday’s final injury report will reveal whether the running back carries a Week 1 injury designation, but at this stage it looks like he’ll be available to lead Miami’s backfield this weekend.”
Again, roll the dice on Achane or Gordon Week 1 if you must, but you’ll sleep better if you have a backup you can use for now.
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