Dolphins’ Raheem Mostert out for Thursday’s game against the Bills, De’Von Achane uncertain; Miami’s options for RB

The Miami Dolphins have a short week in Week 2 and will face one of their toughest opponents: the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have an 11-1 record in their last 12 meetings against the Dolphins. The last meeting came in Week 18 and decided the division. To make matters worse, Miami is dealing with multiple injuries at running back.

On Wednesday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel ruled out running back Raheem Mostert for Thursday night’s game after he missed the first two practices with a chest injury. Fellow running back De’Von Achane has also missed two practices with an ankle injury, and McDaniel said he is one of the players “we’ll be evaluating” whether he’s available for Week 2, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones.

Mostert managed just 19 yards on eight touches in the 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1, while Achane had 10 carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. The second-year running back was more effective as a receiver, catching seven passes for 76 yards.

Whether Achane plays or not, someone from the running back room will have to prove themselves. And they could be worth adding in fantasy football as well. Let’s look at some of the options:

Let’s say Achane does compete. One has to wonder how comfortable he will be and how McDaniel plans to use him. As we mentioned above, the 22-year-old has been more successful at catching passes out of the backfield. Could that lead to Wilson becoming the “RB1” when it comes to actually running the football?

Wilson was actually Miami’s best runner against the Jaguars in Week 1, with 26 yards on five carries. He also had the longest run for the Dolphins with a 14-yard run. As you can tell by the numbers, it wasn’t the best day for Miami on the ground. In case you’re interested, the Bills allowed 124 rushing yards in last Sunday’s Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals, who rank 17th in the league.

Here’s the funny name we want to talk about. Wright was a healthy, inactive player in the season opener, but remember that Achane had to do the same thing in his rookie season. Then he got his chance and managed three 100-yard rushing games in his first four NFL appearances.

The Dolphins selected Wright with the No. 120 overall pick out of the University of Tennessee this offseason after he rushed for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns on 137 carries in 2023. He was the Volunteers’ first 1,000-yard runner since 2015, and his 7.4 yards per carry ranked him second in the FBS.

When he dresses, McDaniel is guaranteed to give him a chance to touch the ball a few times.