Who Should I Start? De'Von Achane or Bucky Irving

Monday, December 8, 2:31 PM

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ribs) left Sunday's blowout win over the Jets with a rib injury, which may now require additional rest, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Achane has since had an MRI, and McDaniel told reporters on Monday that his star running back made it very clear that he could have returned to the game despite obvious discomfort. On only seven carries on Sunday, Achane recorded 92 rushing yards and a touchdown, while bringing in his only target for an additional 13 yards. On the season, he has been the overall RB4 in Half-PPR formats, and with one of the most favorable schedules for the fantasy playoffs, he will likely be part of many championship-winning rosters if he isn't forced to miss any time. The Dolphins play the Steelers on Monday night, so fantasy managers won't see an official injury report until Thursday.

Thursday, December 4, 6:13 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) upgraded from a limited practice participant on Wednesday to a full showing on Thursday ahead of the Week 14 game against the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. Irving returned in last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since suffering foot and shoulder injuries back in Week 4. The 23-year-old played 52% of the offensive snaps and had 19 touches for 81 scrimmage yards and his first rushing touchdown of the year. The Bucs will continue to involve both Rachaad White and Sean Tucker in change-of-pace roles down the stretch, but Irving is their preferred back and has clear RB1 upside for fantasy managers now that he's back and set to see an even bigger workload this weekend against the Saints. Irving is averaging a mediocre 3.4 yards per carry in five games this year, but he's had at least 14 rushing attempts in all five games and has a high floor.