The debate between Miami’s backup running backs is not about who will get to carry the ball more but who can catch
There is no doubt De’Von Achane is the starter. But the actual question behind him is broader than who is RB2.
De’Von Achane on his goal for this season:
“Trying to get the rushing title.” pic.twitter.com/Box8lXDnM0
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 2, 2026
Miami’s receiver room isn’t as good as it was this year. Coach Mike McDaniel has always constructed his scheme around pass-catching backs, not only runners between the tackles.
Achane himself had 67 catches last season, more than some starting receivers.
According to ESPN, Over the past two seasons, Achane recorded the eighth-most touches in the NFL with 586, and his 145 receptions leads all NFL running backs in that span.
Miami’s going to need its backfield to catch passes even more than before with fewer trusted targets on the outside.
That affects how everyone should think about the backup competition between Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II.
Wright is the more open-field, faster back and he’s showed he can catch, like his huge 107-yard game against the Jets last year.
Gordon is the power runner, better at thumping it in between the tackles. But if Miami needs to have backs who can catch the ball because the receivers are thin, that favors Wright’s skill set over Gordon’s.
It all depends on what type of system Miami needs to run if the receivers don’t step up, and which backup will fit that offense.
