2024 Injury Breakdowns: Running Backs Returning from Injury

Every NFL season comes with star players finding their way onto season-ending IR and question marks through the off-season and preseason as they near the following season. This series discusses key details in the player’s current recovery tract and injury projections for the 2024 seasons and for their dynasty value.

Let’s dive in.

De'Von Achane, RB MIA

Let’s start this one with a take that will make me lose some fans – Achane has a high-risk profile regarding injuries. In his first year he dealt with an AC sprain in the preseason after having a defender land on him hard into the ground, a MCL sprain that cost him four games, a toe sprain that limited him in-game, and a rib injury that continued to limit him in-game. He had a few games of high volume upside, but that is likely going to be a rarity for him.

He is extremely explosive and a dynamic threat any time he touches the ball, which makes him a perfect match for Mike McDaniels’ offensive scheme. Given his profile, I just don’t think he is built for being a weekly 15-touch back, meaning he is likely going to be boom/bust for fantasy purposes. There is no problem with that, unless said player is valued as the dynasty RB6. I suppose you could make arguments against all of the running backs listed behind him and continue drafting Achane in that range, but you would also be passing by a lot of high-end wide receivers over him. Personally, it is not worth the cost and I would rather fade his injury profile in favor of someone like Saquon Barkley or Josh Jacobs. If I’m wrong, you can come yell at me @jmthrivept on Twitter.

Javonte Williams, RB DEN