THE APEX TIMES
Dolphins add QB Brady Cook to practice squad, release RB Jarquez Hunter
Miami’s practice-squad adjustments bring in a former Jets quarterback with extensive Missouri production, while Jarquez Hunter departs after time on the unit.
The Miami Dolphins made a pair of practice squad moves on Monday, signing quarterback Brady Cook to the unit and releasing running back Jarquez Hunter from the practice squad, according to the team’s official announcement. The changes reflect Miami’s ongoing evaluation process as it manages depth at key positions through the season.
Cook comes to Miami after being acquired via waivers on Aug. 31, 2026. The 2025 season served as his first meaningful NFL runway with the New York Jets, where he appeared in five career games and made four starts. In those appearances, Cook completed 88 of 153 pass attempts for 739 yards and two touchdown passes, numbers that show he can handle game-week responsibility even if he is still fighting for a long-term role.
Before his NFL opportunity, Cook established a detailed college resume at Missouri from 2020 through 2025. Over 46 career games, he made 39 starts and completed 746 of 1,139 passes for 9,013 yards. His production included 49 passing touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also contributed on the ground, adding 1,209 rushing yards on 362 carries, an average of 3.3 yards per rush, with 20 rushing touchdowns. That dual-threat profile is the kind coaches often weigh when deciding how to develop a quarterback behind the starters.
Jarquez Hunter, meanwhile, was released from Miami’s practice squad. Hunter’s departure does not change the Dolphins’ current offensive identity at the top of the depth chart, but it does move Miami to a new set of looks in practice, especially in sessions where the staff evaluates pass protection assignments, pass-route recognition, and run-game discipline at the second and third-team levels.
Practice squad turns often have more to do with fit and timing than long-term projections. Teams use the unit to scout upcoming opponents and to replicate certain personnel packages in practice. Bringing in a quarterback with Cook’s mix of arm production and mobility can also expand what Miami can install during practice, particularly in red-zone and two-minute segments.
For Cook, the Dolphins move represents another step in the development path that began after he entered the league as an undrafted college free agent in 2025 with the Jets. The immediate question is whether Miami can shape him into a consistent practice option while he waits for another opportunity to earn a larger role on the active roster.
What to watch next is whether Miami follows the Cook addition with expanded reps during the week, and whether it continues to reshuffle the depth chart at running back as the season progresses. The practical impact of these moves will show up in who is most trusted for the coming game-week look, especially on offense.
Why It Matters
- This adds a quarterback option with substantial college production to Miami’s practice-week planning, which can influence how the team installs and rehearses multiple looks.
- The Cook signing indicates Miami’s continued focus on developing a deeper quarterback group behind its active roster starters.
- Releasing a running back from the practice squad changes Miami’s practice personnel and can affect depth evaluation at the position.
- With Cook’s prior starts in the NFL, the move also keeps a ready-to-evaluate passer in the organization should an opportunity arise.
Key Facts
- The Miami Dolphins signed quarterback Brady Cook to the practice squad.
- The Dolphins released running back Jarquez Hunter from the practice squad.
- Cook was acquired by Miami via waivers on Aug. 31, 2026.
- Cook appeared in five career games with four starts for the New York Jets in 2025.
- In his Jets action, Cook completed 88 of 153 passes for 739 yards and two touchdown passes.
- At Missouri (2020-25), Cook totaled 9,013 passing yards with 49 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, plus 1,209 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.