THE APEX TIMES
Dolphins add nine players to practice squad ahead of the season grind
Miami’s latest roster adjustment focuses on depth at multiple positions, including quarterback and edge, as the team builds its weekly practice plan.
The Miami Dolphins have signed nine players to their practice squad, a common mid-preseason move that helps teams stock multiple position groups for the weekly demands of practice and game preparation. The team made the announcement on Monday, detailing each player added to the practice squad roster.
Among the names announced were tackle Gottlieb Ayedze and safety Major Burns, indicating Miami’s emphasis on protecting the line of scrimmage while also adding secondary depth. The Dolphins also brought in tight end Jeremiah Franklin, a position that often requires a blend of route-running, blocking, and special-teams flexibility, particularly during the stretch where teams finalize their active-roster plans.
Miami’s practice squad additions extend to skill and playmaking roles as well. The Dolphins signed quarterback Mark Gronowski, wide receiver Jalen Reagor, and running back Jarquez Hunter, giving the organization extra options to run scout-team looks, develop timing with the passing game, and maintain continuity within the offensive unit’s practice scripts.
The team also added two players on the defensive and linebacker side of the roster. Edge Rodney McGraw was among the new practice squad signings, and inside linebacker Cam Riley joined the group as well. Those moves reflect how teams typically target versatility and repetition, particularly for defenders who need to learn specific coverages, blitz packages, and situational assignments.
Rounding out the list were running back Carlos Washington Jr. and tight-end and quarterback support personnel already included in the announcement. For practice squads, depth is not just a matter of talent, but also of having enough bodies at each position to run full-speed practices while minimizing drop-offs in the quality of reps over multiple days.
Practice squad signings matter even when they do not immediately change the game-day roster. They shape preparation during the final weeks of the preseason and the early rhythm of the regular season, when injuries, matchups, and game-plan adjustments can force sudden changes. The Dolphins’ nine-player haul also suggests a strategic approach to maintaining coverage across offense and defense rather than concentrating solely on one area.
What to watch next is how each of these players fits into Miami’s weekly structure. Practice squad roles typically evolve quickly based on practice performance, scheme needs, and availability. Any player who stands out during team drills could become a candidate for elevation to the active roster, or for added responsibility on special teams, depending on how the Dolphins’ depth chart settles.
Why It Matters
- Practice squad depth helps teams sustain high-quality preparation across an entire week, especially when active-roster availability changes.
- Adding players across the offensive line, skill positions, and multiple defensive roles increases Miami’s flexibility with practice looks and situational reps.
- A new practice squad group can become a pipeline for active-roster elevations if a matchup or injury reshapes needs later in the season.
Key Facts
- The Miami Dolphins announced they signed nine players to their practice squad on August 31, 2026.
- The listed additions include tackle Gottlieb Ayedze and safety Major Burns.
- The Dolphins also signed tight end Jeremiah Franklin and quarterback Mark Gronowski to the practice squad.
- Additional signings were running back Jarquez Hunter, edge Rodney McGraw, and wide receiver Jalen Reagor.
- Inside linebacker Cam Riley and running back Carlos Washington Jr. were also added to the practice squad.