Dolphins News: Jaylen Wright Impressing in OTAS
Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik offered an early endorsement of running back Jaylen Wright this week, telling reporters at organized team activities that Wright looks more settled and that “My man has some speed.”
The comments, reported by David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, came as Wright pushes to lock down the No. 2 job in the Miami backfield. Slowik said Wright is carrying himself with a greater comfort level, a notable shift after a stop-and-start stretch on the field.
Wright’s path was interrupted before it began. He hurt his knee at an August joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars and underwent a minor procedure. He sat out the first two games and did not make his debut until Week 3.
Once available, Wright worked as a complementary piece behind De’Von Achane. He finished with 332 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 75 touches across 10 games. His clearest showcase came in Week 14, when he ran 24 times for 107 yards and a score in a 34-10 win over the New York Jets.
That production helped him hold the second spot ahead of Ollie Gordon II. Wright and Gordon each logged 70 carries, but Wright did more with the volume. The two are again competing for reps behind Achane this offseason.
Achane remains the centerpiece. He earned team Most Valuable Player honors after rushing for 1,350 yards at 5.7 yards per carry, adding 67 catches for 488 yards and a combined 16 touchdowns. He signed a four-year contract extension this offseason.
His availability is the one variable shadowing Wright’s opportunity. Achane underwent shoulder surgery after the season and has been a limited participant in organized team activities. Head coach Jeff Hafley said the recovery is on track. “He’s rehabbing right now, he’s doing well,” Hafley said. Achane has told reporters the shoulder is healed.
For now, the math is straightforward. Achane is set to carry the bulk of the load when healthy, which caps how many touches are left for everyone else. Wright’s value rises sharply only if the starter misses time, a scenario Miami planned for last season when injuries thinned the room.
Slowik’s praise matters because the play-caller controls how those touches are distributed. A coordinator who trusts a back tends to find ways to use him. Wright’s speed has never been the question; his health and consistency have. Clearing both would make him the first option should the lead role open.
The Dolphins continue offseason work as the staff builds toward the regular season. Wright’s standing in the room appears secure, and the early reviews suggest he has the inside track on the backup job. Whether that translates into meaningful volume depends on what happens ahead of him.