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.

Thunder Dan Palyo spotlights six late-round fantasy football sleepers for 2025 who could flip the backhalf of your roster into a weekly contributor. Braelon Allen (NYJ) stands out as a potential early-down hammer with breakout upside in a improved Jets’ run game, while Jaylen Wright (MIA) is presented as a high-leverage handcuff behind Devon Achane. At tight end, Zach Ertz (WSH) is framed as a durable veteran safety blanket, with Brenton Strange (JAX) intriguing as a Week 1 starter and two-tight-end pairing value. DeMario Douglas (NE) is pitched as a slot-win in Drake Maye’s offense, and Keaton Mitchell (BAL) is flagged as the ultimate Henry-style handcuff. ADPs anchor the hype, inviting managers to chase upside late rather than rely on stale rankings.

De'Von Achane's soft-tissue lower-body injury sidelines the Dolphins' rookie RB, with an uncertain return window that could range from days to weeks. Coach Mike McDaniel stressed the injury isn't severe and Week 1 remains a possibility, but soft-tissue quirks can complicate timing. Miami will lean on depth behind Achane, notably Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II, as they wait for clarity on Achane's timeline. Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports closely; Wright could assume a larger early-down role, with Gordon II handling subpackages in the meantime.

While Achane is out, the Dolphins show faith in their depth chart and a quick move to fill the void. Wright and Gordon II are the primary replacements, and the backfield will be shaped by how long Achane remains unavailable. The Lions, their Week 2 preseason opponent, serve as a benchmark for how Miami might deploy its next-man-up trio in August. This situation injects nuance into early-season projections and adds a layer of risk to Achane’s fantasy outlook until a return timetable is established.

Alexander Mattison’s neck injury in the preseason opener sidelined him for the 2025 season and landed him on injured reserve after surgery in Chicago. He carried eight yards and a touchdown on three rushing attempts before the injury, and Miami had pegged him as the primary power back to pair with De'Von Achane’s speed and Jaylen Wright’s depth. In response, the Dolphins added Mike Boone and Aaron Shampklin to bolster the backfield behind Achane, Gordon II, Wright, and the rest of the group.

Mattison’s exit opens a clear path for Ollie Gordon II, who topped Miami’s rushing ledger in the weekend’s play with 33 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. The sixth-round pick may be thrust into a larger role as the Dolphins navigate a crowded backfield, while Boone and Shampklin provide veteran and special-teams depth. Fantasy managers should monitor Gordon II’s opportunity window as the backfield reconstitutes itself.

Bottom line: Miami’s backfield now leans into a deeper, more committee-like approach, with Gordon II offering upside as the rookie seizes a glow of opportunity. The team’s week-to-week plan will hinge on how the new signings integrate and how Gordon II handles increased exposure behind Achane and Wright.

Alexander Mattison’s season-ending neck surgery rocks the Miami Dolphins’ backfield just as De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright were primed for increased opportunities. Mattison, signed to a one-year deal, was third on the depth chart behind Achane and Wright. Miami is bringing Jamaal Williams in for a tryout, signaling the team is looking to stabilize depth quickly. The injury occurred in a preseason play against Chicago, with Mattison already a Raiders and Vikings veteran who has rushed for 2,790 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career and hauled in 1,012 yards on 136 receptions. Fantasy players should brace for a bigger early-down role for Achane, with Wright stepping into more of a change-up and third-down workload, while Williams remains a potential external addition.

Miami’s immediate concern shifts to maintaining productive volume behind Achane, whose speed and burst are fantasy catalysts when touches arrive. Wright’s versatility could unlock more set concepts and third-down plays, increasing both players’ floors in standard and PPR formats. The Bears preseason game provided the backdrop for Mattison’s exit, opening doors for the Dolphins to optimize their committee and protect Achane’s long-term usage. As Williams eyes a possible payday in Miami, the team is signaling they’ll push for a quick fix to the depth chart while navigating potential in-season adjustments.