Jaylen

Wright

Wright was unable to practice on Friday. He is very unlikely to play, although his absence may only be felt in the return game. Dolphins RB
Ollie Gordon

will serve as the top backup.

Wright and Ollie Gordon each have three carries this year. De’Von Achane has 31. Even if the backup role gets narrowed to just Gordon, there isn’t any fantasy value to be had behind Achane.

Spring and summer reports indicated that the Dolphins’ new coaching staff wanted to operate a run-heavy offense. Those reports weren’t lying. Achane took run after run up the middle until he punched one in from one yard out. Questions remain as to how efficient this offense might be, but Achane is seemingly set to handle a large workload again this season. Backup RB Jaylen Wright was the RB2 tonight, taking his first carry for 13 yards up the middle.

The Dolphins are expected to employ a very run-heavy approach this season, so the Dolphins’ RB2 might get a handful of touches each week. Wright will have a tough time returning FLEX value on that workload but like Slowik says, “my man has some speed.” Perhaps Wright will be worth stashing on benches this year. We’ll see how training camp pans out.

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.