MIAMI GARDENS ― Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wrightstarted a Week 4 game at the Minnesota Vikings.
But Wright had only five carries and Ollie Gordon II ended the 15-10 loss with nine.
"I was just trying to be intentional with my reps, just make the most of my opportunities," Wright said. "But, I mean, they went with the hot hand. I mean, Ollie was hot. So, I mean, keep giving him the ball. I mean, that's football. That's ball."
Wright appears to be an emotional player and person. Before this season Wright said he would sometimes press to make a big play when given an opportunity in 2025. Miami needs him to stay focused.
"I had to mature my mind about the game," Wright said before the season. "Like I said, control what I can control."
Wright
had five carries for seven yards in the first game after De'Von Achane went down with a season-ending ACL injury. Gordon had nine carries for 100 yards, including a 53-yarder and a touchdown.
Surely coaches have reminded Wright there are 13 more games to play.
Ollie Gordon emerged for Dolphins in Week 4
"I mean, 13 games left, I mean, that's like a whole college season or more than a college season. It's a long season, long season," Wright said. "So, my thing is, you know, just to continue to have faith in this thing no matter what goes on, no matter what happens. I'm going to continue to have faith in God and have faith in myself, be confident in my ability that, you know, it's all going to work out and how it's planned."
Coach Jeff Hafley noted Miami has had too few offensive plays this season, including the last game.
More and longer sustained offensive drives would give Wright more opportunities.
"We just got to stay on track, stay on schedule, complete our third downs, you know, convert," Wright said.
Wright said he was happy for Gordon, whom he considers a "little brother."
As for what Wright needs to do the next time he's given an opportunity?
"Just trying to explode when I see see a seam and then not only that, when I get in the groove of the game, when I get in the rhythm, that's when I'm at my best because that's when it kind of slows down for me and there's no thinking and it's just going," 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 vows patience as Ollie Gordon vies for lead back role
