Dolphins Announce 53-Man Roster Ahead Of 2024 Season

MIAMI, FL – As is tradition with all 32 teams in the NFL, the Miami Dolphins announced their final 53-man roster for the 2024 season on Tuesday, confirming who they’ve signed and cut from offseason workouts and the preseason.

Our initial 53-man roster is set 🐬 pic.twitter.com/MwdfzEnfHq

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 27, 2024

At the same time, the Dolphins had to factor in injuries regarding who they placed in Injury Reserve or the Physically Unable To Perform list, ensuring some names wouldn’t see time on the field for a while.

The preseason’s all about finding the next veteran or rookie who can take their place, though it becomes a bit tough when you see the stars for whom Miami is taking precautions.

There Can Only Be 53

Most players who the Dolphins waived include walk-ons who didn’t see much action in the preseason or those who underperformed with the opportunity. However, a few names fans will note might not be returning to Hard Rock Stadium next week.

-Quarterback Mike White was cut by the Dolphins a couple of days earlier, but was still a shocker to some fans. Still, Skylar Thompson appeared to edge out White in the preseason and has gotten the nod to be Tua Tagovailoa’s backup. White has already signed with the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad.

-Wide Receiver Eric Ezukanma was a fourth-round draft pick by Miami in 2022 and has spent the last few seasons with the Dolphins. Stat-wise, his time on the field was limited as it was. However, it took a hit when players like Tyreek Hill and Braxton Berrios were brought in to fill needs. The search for a WR3 continues for this team.

-Long Snapper Blake Ferguson was drafted in the sixth round by Miami in 2020, and signed a three-year extension last year, but won’t be returning. Ferguson was solid in his limited role on special teams, starting games back as a rookie. It’s worth noting they have no long snappers listed in their roster, so this might be a case of re-signing him right before Week 1.

-Running Back Chris Brooks is an unfortunate cut on the roster. He was picked up last year in 2023 but had to miss extensive time following an injury in Week 3 against Denver, and was injured once again in the 2024 preseason. A power-back with explosive speed, he showed flashes of talent and might have offers from other teams when healthy.

Off the rip, here are some names that didn't make the cut:

-WR Eric Ezukanma
-RB Chris Brooks
-LS Blake Ferguson (WOW!)

Here are some names added to the PUP List:

-WR Odell Beckham Jr
-LB Bradley Chubb

WR River Cracraft and CB Cam Smith are on the IR. 🐬#GoFins | #FinsUp https://t.co/X7U2orYuSe

— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) August 27, 2024

Rest Up When You’re Ready

In addition to the cuts, a few players have been added to the Physically Unable To Perform List and Injury Reserve, meaning they won’t be able to see time on the field for the first few weeks of the season.

-Linebacker Bradley Chubb was traded from Denver (Where he was drafted in 2018) to Miami in exchange for a first-round pick in 2022. Since then, Chubb has been a reliable core piece on Miami’s defense, putting up solid statistics across the board and being named to the Pro Bowl in 2022, but suffered a torn ACL in Week 17  this past season in the waning minutes. This could POTENTIALLY open up options to test rookie Chop Robinson with on-field experience early on alongside Jaelan Phillips.

-Wide Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Dolphins back in May. He could’ve been their solution to a WR3 alongside Hill and Waddle, but an offseason procedure and no reps with Tua signified that he might miss playing time. Beckham is an experienced player with 10 years in the NFL, making a name for himself with the New York Giants and winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams.

-Wide Receiver River Cracraft began his career in 2019 with Denver but bounced around the NFL before signing with Miami in 2022. Since then, he’s been a serviceable back with 308 yards and three touchdowns as a Dolphin. According to head coach Mike McDaniel, Cracraft has been dealing with an upper-body injury and was placed on the IR but has also been designated for return.

-Cornerback Cam Smith was drafted in the second round of the 2023 Draft by Miami and played in 15 games last season, however, his playing time has not been extensive. Like Cracraft, he was added to the IR but is designated for return.

Welcome To The Club

With all the news of players who have been cut, there are a few notable names who will be staying with Miami.

-The entire 2024 Draft Class will remain. This included players like LB Chop Robinson, OL Patrick Paul, and RB Jaylen Wright who have impressed people with their playmaking abilities in the preseason and could see exponential playing time in the regular season.

-Cornerback Storm Duck was signed as an undrafted free agent this offseason and has genuinely looked solid in both practices as well as the preseason. With Cam Smith being added to IR, depth is necessary in a position prone to injuries for Miami, so Duck might be seeing time on the field sooner rather than later.

-Two of Miami’s signings in the offseason, tight end Jonnu Smith and safety Jordan Poyer already looked established when joining the team, and have since taken on their respective roles in both the offense and defense.