As the summer heat intensifies and the Miami Dolphins gear up for their training camp, the buzz around the team’s roster composition, particularly within the running back corps, is reaching fever pitch.
In what could be described as a surplus of talent, the Dolphins’ running back situation is especially intriguing, thanks to their mix of new draftee Jaylen Wright out of Tennessee, last season’s standout rookie De’Von Achane, and experienced runners Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.
It appears almost a certainty that this talented group will see one less by the season’s commencement. According to Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon, Jeff Wilson Jr. might unfortunately find himself on the outside looking in, a tough pill to swallow for head coach Mike McDaniel and his coaching staff.
Wilson’s journey with McDaniel dates back to their shared time with the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent four and a half seasons, making their potential separation even more poignant.
A testament to their deep connection came late in November 2023, ahead of the Dolphins facing the Jets in what was the NFL’s inaugural Black Friday game. Wilson, seizing the moment for leadership despite a season hampered by injuries and limited game time, gave a rousing pre-game speech that underscored his standing and influence within the team.
“He kicked in the door, fast and furious, when he got here,” McDaniel expressed, as per The Palm Beach Post. “His emotional energy in those competitive situations has the power to elevate those around him, and he recognized it was his moment. The impact of such a drive cannot be overstated as the season heads into its critical phases.”
Up until that game, Wilson’s contribution had been minimal, primarily due to injury setbacks. However, he made the Black Friday game his standout moment of the season, carrying 11 times for a total of 56 yards, symbolizing his ‘take everything’ message.
Wilson’s approach to the game was likened to the chaos of Black Friday shopping–a day of seizing opportunities, something he wanted the Dolphins to embody on the field. “It was like making it our Black Friday, taking home everything we could,” Wilson recounted about his fiery speech.
Having been with the Dolphins for over a year, it seems Wilson’s tenure with the team could be nearing its end. Despite the valuable leadership and spark Wilson provides, the sheer depth and talent of Mostert, Achane, and Wright ultimately may not leave much room for him—a reality both sad and understandable in the competitive world of the NFL.