MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright hated to see star teammate De'Von Achane go down with a season-ending ACL injury.
But Wright understands he's needed more now than ever.
"I mean, ready," Wright said of how he feels about the opportunity ahead of him.
The Dolphins once traded up for Wright because his impressive speed and power did not align with his unexpected availability in the fourth round of an NFL Draft.
Wright, 23, has been frustrated, at times, in his first two seasons, by a lack of playing time.
This is his chance. He must seize the moment.
"I mean, it's hard to see anybody go down like that," Wright said of Achane. "And I mean, it's the nature of the game. De'Von is going to be missed. He's going to be missed, man.
I mean, love De'Von. I wish him the best. Quick, fast recovery. Hell of a player, hell of an athlete. But at the end of the day, you know, the RBs, you know, we're going to hold it down for him."
Wright missed a Week 3 loss to the Chiefs due to foot and stinger injuries.
This week he is no longer affected by the stinger. He says he's felt good in practice.
How close was he to playing in Week 3?
"I mean, very close," Wright said. "I mean, at the end of the day, it's the trainer's decision. I left it in God's hands. You know what I mean? So, it's up to God."
Miami Dolphins depth chart: Jaylen Wright is RB2
Wright has averaged 3.9 yards in 141 career rushes.
Third-string running back Ollie Gordon II has averaged 2.7 yard in 90 career carries.
Wright seems the more likely option as a workhorse back. And coach Jeff Hafley still wants to run the ball routinely, despite the crushing loss of Achane.
What have coaches said to Wright in recent days?
"Be ready," Wright said.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Threads and Instagram and X at @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Jaylen Wright ready to seize bigger Dolphins role after Achane injury
