De’Von Achane established himself as the Miami Dolphins’ top running back during the 2024 season, showcasing elite skills that made him a standout in the 2025 fantasy draft landscape. Despite a recent calf injury reported on August 18, his potential as a leading RB1 in fantasy football remains intact as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Impressive 2024 Season Sets High Expectations for Achane
After sharing running back duties with Raheem Mostert in 2023, Achane surged ahead in 2024 by combining exceptional rushing and receiving abilities. He amassed 907 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground, while also leading all NFL running backs with 78 receptions. Additionally, he gained 592 receiving yards and scored six receiving touchdowns, making him one of the most versatile backs in the league. This remarkable output earned him the rank of RB5 in PPR (points per reception) leagues, averaging 17.6 fantasy points per game throughout the season.
Current Fantasy Draft Rankings and Injury Update
Looking ahead to 2025, fantasy experts project Achane as a top-tier running back, with Fantasy Pros ranking him the RB6 and the 16th overall player in PPR formats. This suggests that Achane is expected to be a second-round pick in many drafts this year. However, recent news from NFL analyst Cameron Wolfe revealed that Achane is dealing with a calf injury hitting his practice schedule this week.
“Dolphins RB De’Von Achane injury is his calf, per HC Mike McDaniel. They don’t want it to linger so he likely won’t practice this week. Plan is for him to play Week 1 vs. Colts.” — Cameron Wolfe, NFL Analyst
Injury Impact and Fantasy Outlook for 2025 Season
The calf injury presents a challenge, particularly because Achane’s playstyle depends heavily on quick cuts and agility. Maintaining sharpness and speed is critical to his success as a dynamic rusher and receiver. Nonetheless, the injury is expected to be minor and should not affect his availability for Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, reflecting well on the team’s cautious approach to his recovery.
When fully healthy, Achane is widely regarded as one of the fastest and most explosive running backs in the NFL. His receiving skills are equally impressive, with reliable hands and refined route-running abilities that add significant value in PPR leagues. Backed by Miami’s offensive system tailored to maximize his talents, Achane is firmly positioned as a top-five fantasy option and carries clear RB1 upside for the 2025 season.
Looking Forward: Achane’s Role in Miami and Fantasy Football
De’Von Achane’s combination of speed, versatility, and opportunity makes him a compelling choice for fantasy managers targeting an elite running back. While the brief calf injury serves as a reminder of the physical demands of the game, his quick recovery plan suggests he will remain integral to Miami’s offense. Fantasy owners should monitor his health closely but remain optimistic about his ability to deliver a strong performance in the upcoming season and maintain his RB1 status in 2025 drafts.