Who Will Be The Number Two Running Back Behind De’Von Achane?
This offseason, running back De’von Achane signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension to lock him in as the number one option in Miami’s backfield. Achane has been nothing short of exceptional in his three seasons in Miami, rushing for 3,057 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding 172 receptions for 1,277 yards and 13 touchdowns. He leaves no doubt as to who will be the starting running back heading into 2026.
So who is going to be the number two option? The two players vying for the role are third-year man Jaylen Wright, out of Tennessee, and Ollie Gordon II, out of Oklahoma State, headed into his sophomore season.
Wright was brought in to emulate what Achane gives Miami. Both players are known for their speed. Wright ran a blazing fast 4.38 40-yard dash during the 2024 NFL Combine. He has been extremely limited in his usage over the course of his three seasons. He has carried the ball just 138 times for 537 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, he is having a good camp so far by all accounts.
Wright was asked about what he’s learned over the course of his first two seasons, and honed in on taking what the defense is giving him.
“Last year, my biggest thing, and exactly what you said it was when I got in the game, it was, ‘I gotta do this.” He said, “I gotta make a play, this, that, and the third, and that’s not good. Take what they’re giving you. Take the little runs. The big runs will come.”
Ollie Gordon, on the other hand, has reportedly struggled so far in training camp. The former Doak Walker Award winner was brought in to complement Achane as a downhill runner. He struggled to get going in limited action last season, rushing only 70 times for 199 yards, three rushing touchdowns, and another as a receiver. When asked whether he was focused on setting himself apart from Wright and the other running backs, Gordon said it was more of a team effort.
“That’s a crazy question, honestly.” He said. “We all just work together.”
If I had to say who I believed would be the second back headed into the season without any preseason action, I would put my money on Wright. When he’s been given the chance, he has risen to the occasion. This was shown in the Dolphins’ 34-10 victory over the Jets last season, where he carried the ball 24 times for 107 yards and 1 touchdown.
Who do you think will be the second-string running back when the season starts? Let me know in the comments.
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