Should I Start Ollie Gordon II?

Friday, August 21, 12:10 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II has at least made the backup race worth watching again. Gordon was rough as a rookie, finishing with 199 yards and three touchdowns on 70 carries, but his first preseason showing was much better. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound back ran seven times for 39 yards against Washington while splitting reserve work with Jaylen Wright. Miami still lists Wright second behind De'Von Achane and Gordon third, so one good night hasn't changed the depth chart. The roles are different, too. Miami used Gordon more in short-yardage situations last season, while Wright was the back asked to fill in for Achane. That probably keeps Gordon from being a clean handcuff even if he keeps running well. RotoBaller has him 309th overall in its Aug. 19 PPR rankings, which is deep-draft territory. Gordon isn't a standard-league target yet, but after a better start to this preseason, he's at least earned another look in deeper formats.