Fantasy football managers are prioritizing Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II on the waiver wire following the season-ending ACL tear sustained by De’Von Achane. The injury, which occurred during Miami’s 24-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3, has fundamentally altered the Dolphins’ backfield and created an immediate vacancy for a featured ball carrier.
The Impact of the De’Von Achane Injury
De’Von Achane was forced out of the game during the first half of Sunday’s matchup. While initially listed as questionable, subsequent medical evaluation confirmed a torn ACL, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2026 season. Achane was a focal point of the Miami offense, coming off a campaign where he recorded 1,838 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. His absence leaves a significant void in both rushing production and receiving utility for the Dolphins’ coaching staff.
Ollie Gordon II Emerges as a Must-Add
In the immediate aftermath of Achane’s exit, Ollie Gordon II stepped into an expanded role, logging 20 total touches for 55 yards and a touchdown. Reports indicate that Gordon was rostered in fewer than 2% of ESPN leagues as of the post-Week 3 period, making him the most critical waiver-wire target for managers in need of running back depth.
While his efficiency in his first extended action was moderate, the sheer volume of opportunities provides a stable floor for fantasy relevance. The Dolphins are currently thin at the position, with Jaylen Wright sidelined by a foot injury and few other reliable alternatives available on the active roster. Fantasy managers are advised to treat Gordon as a high-priority claim, as his path to early-down work and goal-line usage appears clear in the immediate term.
Additional Running Back Options for Week 4
Beyond Gordon, several other running backs are gaining attention due to injuries or evolving roles across the league. Braelon Allen of the New York Jets has become a significant target, as Breece Hall is dealing with a thigh injury that forced him out of the Week 3 loss to the Lions. Should Hall be sidelined for Week 4, Allen is positioned to inherit a substantial portion of the workload.
Keaton Mitchell of the Los Angeles Chargers also remains a relevant option. Despite Omarion Hampton maintaining a primary role, Mitchell’s recent performance—eight carries for 52 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills—suggests he could serve as a boom-or-bust flex option in deeper leagues. Other names mentioned in the latest waiver analysis include Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, Woody Marks, and Alvin Kamara, the latter of whom may see increased usage following an injury to Travis Etienne Jr.
Tight End and Wide Receiver Outlook
The waiver market for wide receivers appears thinner this week. Tre Tucker is viewed as the primary receiver for his team, though his ceiling is constrained by the target share commanded by tight end Brock Bowers. Adonai Mitchell remains a speculative add contingent on his recovery from a finger injury, while Mack Hollins is being monitored for his chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye. At the tight end position, Kenyon Sadiq of the Jets has emerged as a secondary priority for managers looking to fill roster gaps, with some analysts suggesting a dual-claim strategy for both Gordon and Sadiq.
Strategic Considerations for Fantasy Managers
Managers should monitor practice reports throughout the week to clarify the division of labor in the Miami backfield. The Dolphins face a challenging matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, which may impact offensive efficiency. The team’s red-zone strategy and personnel groupings are expected to shift without Achane’s breakaway speed, potentially leading to more reliance on short-yardage and screen-based plays. The next verified checkpoint for roster updates will be the release of the official team injury reports during the mid-week practice sessions.
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