Even though the Miami Dolphins started their 2024 season with a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, they are banged up as they get ready for a big early-season matchup against the Buffalo Bills on “Thursday Night Football.”
Both of their main running backs — Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane — are dealing with injuries, and Mostert has been ruled out for the game, while Achane will reportedly be a game-time decision.
Not having both would be a significant impediment for Miami, but ESPN Dolphins reporter Marcel-Louis Jacques said rookie running back Jaylen Wright could help out and be a factor versus Buffalo.
“Keep an eye on Jaylen Wright. He’s got the high-end speed. He’s got the contact balance and the ball-carrier vision. They love this kid!”@Marcel_LJ on how the Dolphins might navigate injuries on a short week pic.twitter.com/hxELmmMmgZ
— Around the Horn (@AroundtheHorn) September 11, 2024
Wright, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was inactive in Week 1, but he could be an intriguing prospect.
He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine and had 1,013 rushing yards and four touchdowns last season for the University of Tennessee.
As a sophomore in 2022, he ran for 875 yards and 10 touchdowns.
It seems hyperbolic to say that an NFL game in Week 2 has playoff implications, but that certainly seems to be true of this AFC East showdown.
The Bills are getting used to life without wide receiver Stefon Diggs, while the Dolphins still have to prove they can defeat quality teams, especially in big situations.
Last season, Mostert led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, while Achane was one of the league’s better rookies with 800 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns in just 11 games.
