Miami’s RB2 competition is tightening behind De’Von Achane, with Ollie Gordon II taking a clear step forward after last Saturday’s 24-17 win over Detroit. Gordon, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound sixth-rounder from Oklahoma State, looks more equipped for short-yardage duty than Jaylen Wright, offering power, secure hands, and solid value on special teams. Wright remains a fast-burst option, but Gordon has the edge as Achane’s primary backup at this moment.

The Browns-and-bears of the preseason continue, as the Dolphins prep for Thursday’s joint practice with Jacksonville and Saturday’s finale with the Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. With Alexander Mattison sidelined by neck surgery and Aaron Shampklin plus Mike Boone in the mix, Miami’s backfield battle is a two-man race that could tilt once Achane returns. Miami signals a quest for a full-tool, dependable back who can stay on the field in multiple roles, a dynamic that would create real fantasy upside if Gordon wins the job.

In this environment, Gordon’s two preseason games (83 rushing yards on 18 carries and 3 receptions for 48 yards with a long 20-yard grab) plus a kickoff-smarts moment against Detroit paint him as a potential standout RB2—if he can translate that efficiency into consistent third-down and goal-line production. McDaniel describes the process as a multi-faceted search for players who can pick up pass protection and elevate the entire group, not merely one trait. The next tests will reveal if Gordon can separate from Wright and the rest enough to lock in a true complementary role.

De'Von Achane's calf setback shadows the Dolphins as the preseason winds down. The team frames it as a soft-tissue issue that will be handled with a preventative approach, meaning limited practice and a cautious ramp-back toward Week 1.

With Achane sidelined, Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II step into the spotlight behind the starter, while Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin provide veteran depth. The injury note comes as Alexander Mattison is ruled out for the season after a neck injury, amplifying the need for proven depth in Miami's backfield ahead of the Sept. 7 opener.

McDaniel indicated the timeline could range from days to weeks, keeping expectations fluid for Achane's Week 1 status. The dynamic now leans toward a committee early, with Gordon II's bruising style potentially adding a new dimension to the offense as Wright provides speed and shifty change-of-pace.

In this evolving backfield picture, Gordon II could become a key short-yardage option if Achane isn't at full speed. The combination of Wright's burst and Gordon II's power offers Miami a versatile trio, with Boone and Shampklin looming as experienced depth for early-season workloads and pass protection scenarios.

Drowns in the detail of a rocky start to the Dolphins’ backfield, De'Von Achane is sidelined by a lower-body soft-tissue injury and expected to miss days to weeks. Mike McDaniel indicated he isn’t overly concerned about Week 1 availability against the Colts, signaling a measured recovery approach. Achane sat out the Dolphins' latest preseason game with Detroit, and Miami has already lost Alexander Mattison to a season-ending neck injury. Jaylen Wright sits behind Achane, with Ollie Gordon also in the mix as depth. The matchup hinges on Achane’s timeline, making Week 1 a potential committee or reduced workload for Miami’s backfield until clearer notes emerge.

Fantasy managers should brace for a potential Week 1 lean on Wright or others if Achane is limited. With Mattison out, Wright’s path to meaningful touches grows, while Gordon could offer pass-catching and change-of-pace upside. The Colts will present a tougher test, but the situation requires monitoring practice reports daily as Miami calibrates its plan for opening night.

Alexander Mattison's season-ending neck injury redefines Miami's backfield. De’Von Achane remains the centerpiece, with Jaylen Wright and rookie Ollie Gordon II providing depth behind him. The Dolphins added Aaron Shampklin and Mike Boone to test veteran options, signaling a shift toward experienced relief behind Achane as the starter absorbs a heavier workload. Shampklin, Harvard alum with Steelers ties, brings a quirky path to the league, while Boone offers 72-game, four-team familiarity. In fantasy terms, expect Achane to carry a bigger share, Wright to operate as a solid complementary piece, and Boone/Shampklin to mix in on passing downs and short-yardage as the Dolphins navigate Week 1 and beyond.

The roster churn underscores the volatility of RB depth in the NFL. Mattison’s exit leaves a gap that the Dolphins are filling with veteran experimentation rather than immediate star power. Wright’s role could stabilize as the clear #2, but the true upside resides in Achane’s expanded touches and the team's willingness to lean on him in early-down and goal-line situations. Shampklin’s Harvard arc and Boone’s career resume add intrigue for late-roster bets and weekly DFS pivots while Miami maps a plan to stay balanced without sacrificing explosiveness.