Jaylen Wright is still in the Miami Dolphins’ backfield plans after Ollie Gordon II’s 100-yard performance against the Minnesota Vikings.
Head coach Jeff Hafley indicated Wednesday that Wright should get more opportunities this week, giving the third-year running back another chance to establish his role as Miami prepares for Cincinnati.
Hafley addressed Wright’s workload during his media availability.
“We’ll see what [Wright] can do this week with more plays,” Hafley said.
The comment follows a game in which Wright carried five times for seven yards. Gordon, meanwhile, rushed nine times for 100 yards and a touchdown in Miami’s 15-10 loss.
That performance strengthened Gordon’s case for a larger role. Wednesday’s update adds a coaching response to the backfield discussion: Hafley wants to see more from Wright, too.
Jaylen Wright gets another opportunity in Dolphins’ backfield
Wright has only eight carries for 17 yards this season. His first two appearances produced a combined three attempts, and he did not play against Kansas City before returning against Minnesota.
That makes his next workload significant beyond the competition with Gordon. Wright has yet to receive even 10 carries across the entire season, leaving Miami with little current-game evidence of what he can provide over a sustained assignment.
Hafley also discussed Gordon on Wednesday. The coach described improvement in Gordon’s practice habits and his understanding of his responsibilities, while acknowledging that he still has areas to develop.
“He didn’t have many attempts, but he’s going to,” Dolphins coach jeff Hafley on Jaylen Wright.
“I’ve seen grown as far as how he is practicing,” hafley on Ollie Gordon “he knows now the role he’s in and he’s got to grow in a lot of areas, and I think he is.”
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) October 7, 2026
Those comments do not announce a new starter or establish a specific split. They suggest the staff is continuing to evaluate both backs, with Wright set for further opportunities and Gordon receiving encouragement about his progress.
Miami’s need to develop that pairing grew when De’Von Achane was lost for the season. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik explained during his Oct. 1 press conference that replacing Achane would also require help from the line, tight ends and receivers as the remaining backs settled into their assignments.
More work for Wright depends on more offense, too
The number of opportunities available is part of the issue. Reviewing the Vikings game during his Monday press conference, Hafley pointed to Miami running 37 offensive plays against Minnesota’s 78.
“We need more opportunities,” Hafley said.
He attributed the problem to execution across the offense, including missed blocks and chances that were available but not converted. His explanation placed responsibility on the entire unit rather than treating the shortage of plays as one player’s failure.
That distinction matters when interpreting Wednesday’s comments. Wright could receive more carries without Gordon losing opportunities if Miami extends possessions.
If the offense again struggles to stay on the field, the coaches will have fewer chances to involve both. The Dolphins also restored depth Wednesday by re-signing Carlos Washington Jr. to the practice squad.
The move followed his promotion to the active roster for Week 4, but does not itself establish a game-day role.
For Wright, the next test is turning the opportunities Hafley anticipates into enough production to keep drives going. His coach’s comments give him an opening; Sunday’s workload will show how Miami puts that plan into practice.
