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2026 NFL backfield

Miami Dolphins running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

De'Von Achane

Preferred handcuff

Jaylen Wright

Achane's listed RB2, though Gordon could force a workload split.

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View De'Von Achane’s handcuff breakdown

Week 1 analysis published .

How the work could change

Barry Jackson's September 8 Week 1 report lists Jaylen Wright second behind De'Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II third; Ourlads' September 8 chart shows the same order. Wright is our projected first replacement, overriding the scoring model's Gordon choice. The chart does not promise a full workload, and Gordon remains competition. Neither is currently flagged unavailable in the roster feed; game-day activation remains unconfirmed.

Jaylen Wright is the preferred Achane handcuff entering Week 1. Both Miami's released order and a dated independent chart place Wright ahead of Ollie Gordon II.

  • availability_unverified
  • close_scores
  • stale_availability
  • committee risk
  • Gordon early-down competition
  • deterministic-deviation

The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Miami Dolphins, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Thu, Sep 10, 8:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Miami Dolphins full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
De'Von AchanePublished starter		Three-down back2023 · Round 3 · Pick 84active
RB2
Jaylen WrightPublished handcuff		Change-of-pace back2024 · Round 4 · Pick 120active
RB3
Ollie Gordon II		Early-down runner2025 · Round 6 · Pick 179active
FB1
DJ Herman		Fullback2026 · Undraftedactive
Unlisted
Carlos Washington Jr.		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad
Unlisted
Jarquez Hunter		Role under review2025 · Round 4 · Pick 117practice squad

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

De'Von Achane

Age 24 · 4 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Game-breaking speed back who doubles as one of the league's most productive receiving RBs (67 catches in 2025). Carries a near-full workload, but the recurring shoulder — now surgically repaired — and his slight frame are real risks on that volume.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2023 · Round 3 · Pick 84

Drafted by MIA; not necessarily his current team.

Day-two draft investment adds prospect context. His current role, availability and competition still decide whether he gets the next opportunity.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 16 recorded games include 238 carries and 67 receptions on 85 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Change-of-pace back

Jaylen Wright

Age 23 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Explosive, straight-line third-year back who won the No. 2 job. Similar speed archetype to Achane and would get the first crack at carries if he sat, but Miami would likely rotate him with Gordon rather than hand him a 20-touch role.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind De'Von Achane. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: De'Von Achane. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2024 · Round 4 · Pick 120

Drafted by MIA; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 9 recorded games include 70 carries and 5 receptions on 9 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Early-down runner

Ollie Gordon II

Age 22 · 2 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Big, physical between-the-tackles runner who gives Miami the short-yardage and goal-line element Achane and Wright do not. The likelier of the two backups to absorb a real early-down workload if Achane missed time.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind De'Von Achane. The dated board currently prefers Jaylen Wright for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 6 · Pick 179

Drafted by MIA; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 17 recorded games include 70 carries and 7 receptions on 9 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

FB1 · Fullback

DJ Herman

Age 24 · Rookie · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Rookie fullback and special-teams body. No role in the backfield rotation.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind De'Von Achane. The dated board currently prefers Jaylen Wright for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A fullback’s place on the chart represents a different assignment from the running-back queue. Blocking or situational touches do not make him the next lead runner when an RB is absent.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2026 · Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Carlos Washington Jr.

Age 27 · 1 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Carlos Washington Jr. is a rookie listed by MIA at RB, from Southeastern Louisiana. The official roster lists him at 5-11 and 210 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Jarquez Hunter

Age 23 · 2 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Jarquez Hunter is a second-year player listed by MIA at RB, from Auburn. The official roster lists him at 5-11 and 211 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 4 · Pick 117

Drafted by LA; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2025 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
De'Von Achane
1623867183820.2
Jaylen Wright
97053325.4
Carlos Washington Jr.
—————
DJ Herman
—————
Jarquez Hunter
—————
Ollie Gordon II
177072313.2
De'Von Achane: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 1126 touches
Wk 1322 touches
Wk 148 touches
Wk 1518 touches
Wk 1618 touches
Wk 1721 touches
Jaylen Wright: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 133 touches
Wk 1424 touches
Wk 152 touches
Wk 1610 touches
Wk 175 touches
Wk 1815 touches
Ollie Gordon II: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 133 touches
Wk 145 touches
Wk 152 touches
Wk 161 touches
Wk 170 touches
Wk 1810 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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