The Miami Dolphins are withholding De'Von Achane from action due to a reported calf strain.
The explosive, versatile back has typically been considered a fantasy football draft pick at the end of Round 1 or the beginning of Round 2.
Given the importance of leg health for running backs, fantasy drafters might give pause before clicking on Achene.
Should they be overly concerned? Read on to see whether we should target or avoid Achane in upcoming fantasy drafts.
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De'Von Achane calf injury, explained
While the Dolphins are claiming they're acting as a precaution, fantasy players still don't like to hear about leg injury for a star player, especially one indirectly connected to recent Achilles' tendon tears across the sports world:
2) De'Von Achane
— Deepak Chona, MD. SMA (@SportMDAnalysis) August 21, 2025
Calf for RB will always carry risk. Can lead to Achilles tears if rushed back (e.g., Tyrese Haliburton)
Reportedly mild, but they don't have to report accurately (e.g., '24 CMC)
Still, the average calf = 2-3 wks, which would put him back Wk 1 w/o dip
2/10 pic.twitter.com/1kdhDeyAJt
Miami does not want to have Achane suffer an injury due to a premature return -- especially since his game relies so heavily on speed.
The 5-foot-9, 188-pounder missed six games in 2023 but suited up for every game last year, during which he tallied 907 rushing yards, a whopping 78 catches for 592 receiving yards, and 12 total touchdowns.
With Tyreek Hill's wrist injury and drama, alongside Tua Tagovailoa's persistent concussion concerns, Achane is seizing control as the focus of the Dolphins' offense.
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Achane's RB handcuffs: Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon
Jaylen Wright has experience in the system, though he likely wouldn't have a stranglehold over touches if Achane were to miss time.
Rookie sixth-rounder Ollie Gordon has emerged as a late-round fantasy darling in recent weeks due to his 6-foot-1, 226-pound build, which positions him as a true bruiser complement to Achane who could earn red-zone touches.
Gordon has also churned out an impressive preseason, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
Wright isn't a feather (5-foot-11, 210 pounds), but reaching his true ceiling likely would require Achane to miss time completely.
Working in Wright's favor: Mike McDaniel's offense is generally described as as hybrid of West Coast and Air Coryell schemes, centering on motions, pace, and spread offenses that looks to maximize how speedy players (like its centerpiece Achane) create mismatches.
That being said, despite not carrying tantalizing straight-line speed, Gordon has the shiftiness and decisiveness to thrive in a rushing scheme like McDaniel's, which emphasizes outside zone rushes.
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De'Von Achane injury: 2025 fantasy football draft tips
De'Von Achane fantasy draft stock
If Achane falls to the middle of Round 2, it's a worthy gamble that he's healthy to pick him. It would feel slightly better to replace him if injured at that price point -- already having another star player in tow.
In updates of PPR fantasy rankings scheduled for Friday, Aug. 22, Achane likely will fall from 10th overall to somewhere in the Pick 15 range.
When you start to approach the Derrick Henry-Trey McBride-Ladd McConkey tiers of PPR Round 2, that's where it may still make sense to click on Achane's name.
As for the handcuffs:
Jaylen Wright fantasy draft stock
Jaylen Wright would benefit the most from an Achane absence. He's the best fit to absorb most of the similar touches.
He remains a capable late-round bench back for fantasy rosters.
Ollie Gordon fantasy draft stock
However, the stronger bet for season-long help would be Ollie Gordon, given his contrast of a role, which could net him 5-10 touches per game even with Achane healthy.
He could become the new Raheem Mostert overall as the complementary back to Achane.
Of course, Gordon is making a stronger case for a speculative pick than Wright, due to his more complete profile. He'll move above Wright in the RB handcuff rankings soon.