Jaylen

Wright

With the Dolphins engaging in something of a “gentleman’s tank” and resting De’Von Achane, Wright received his first start of the season. He wasn’t going anywhere against the Patriots’ elite run defense, but it confirmed second-year pro Wright remains ahead of rookie Ollie Gordon II on the depth chart after the matter seemed up in the air mid-season. That could change with a full offseason and training camp for Gordon, while it doesn’t really matter who the No. 2 is behind Achane absent injury. Achane has proven surprisingly durable, making Wright a low-floor dynasty insurance back.

This really isn’t much of a surprise. Achane was listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this week. The Dolphins are out of the playoff hunt, so there’s no reason to play Achane through the shoulder issue. Jaylen Wright should handle the bulk of the backfield touches for Miami this week, putting him on the RB2/3 border for Week 18.

He didn’t practice all week and the Dolphins have nothing to play for. Achane would give way to Jaylen Wright as Miami’s lead back in Week 18 when and if his ruleout becomes official. Wright’s a worthwhile RB2/RB3 in Week 18 against a Patriots defense missing most of its best run defenders.

Achane has now missed this week’s first two practices. The diminutive running back often toughs it out on game day, though the Dolphins have been eliminated from playoff contention. Tomorrow’s practice participation should clarify his status. Dolphins No. 2 RB Jaylen Wright would start in his stead if he cannot play.

Wright saw just five of the Dolphins’ 30 total carries, but ripped off a few lengthy runs. His longest was a 32-yard carry he took down to the five-yard line in the second quarter. Wright seemingly has the RB2 role back in his pocket for the Dolphins, running behind De’Von Achane for the last few games. He looks to have re-established himself as De’Von Achane’s main backup heading into next season.

Wright added an 18-yard catch. Nearly all of Wright’s work, including his three-yard score, came with the Dolphins down 3-4 touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Maybe the Dolphins will try to lighten De’Von Achane’s load a bit for the final two weeks of the season, but Wright will only be a FLEX factor if Achane misses time.

Wright took over the backfield when De’Von Achane exited with a rib injury in the second quarter. He saw a whopping 24 carries and gashed the Jets for his first career 100-yard rushing game. Wright was also targeted three times, but did not catch any of the passes. Even with Achane healthy, Wright has a role, scoring a touchdown in the first quarter from two yards out. He operated ahead of Ollie Gordon this game, making Wright the waiver wire add out of this backfield should Achane miss time. Wright is a fantasy RB2 for Week 15 against the Steelers if Achane does not play.

Gordon split the RB2 duties with Jaylen Wright in this contest. Both backs saw exactly three attempts. Gordon danced around in the backfield on his final carry, going down for a loss of one yard and a turnover on downs. Even if the play was doomed to fail, Gordon—the supposed hammer of the Miami backfield—needed to plunge straight into the trenches. Without a strong grip on the No. 2 role, Gordon isn’t on the fantasy radar for Week 14.

Gordon played through an ankle injury last week but operated as the Dolphins’ RB3 behind Jaylen Wright. Likely in a better spot this week health-wise, Gordon reclaimed the RB2 role and punched in a one-yard score in the fourth quarter. The Dolphins could keep their run game going after their Week 12 bye versus the Saints. Gordon will get a week of rest before returning as a touchdown-based FLEX play.

Gordon practiced fully on Friday, which is good news. The rookie running back played behind RB Jaylen Wright in the Dolphins’ rotation last week, though Gordon was initially listed as questionable to play. This week should clarify which running back currently occupies the No. 2 spot. Neither one is terribly value as a bench stash, though.