The Miami Dolphins signed undrafted rookie security Verone McKinley to the lively roster from the apply squad and elevated offensive lineman Kion Smith for Sunday’s sport towards the Cleveland Browns, the staff introduced Saturday.
McKinley, the previous faculty teammate of fellow security Jevon Holland at Oregon, has just lately grow to be a significant piece to the Dolphins protection with robust security Brandon Jones out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a knee.
Two weeks in the past towards the Detroit Lions, McKinley earned his first NFL begin and performed 80 p.c of defensive snaps, principally at free security off the ball whereas the versatile Holland switched to Jones’ former function of taking part in nearer to the road of scrimmage.
The Dolphins had already used the three practice-squad elevations allotted to McKinley, calling him up towards the Lions, the week earlier than towards the Pittsburgh Steelers and within the opener towards the New England Patriots. McKinley additionally noticed snaps late within the win over Pittsburgh on Oct. 23 when Jones initially was injured.
The Dolphins didn’t need to make a corresponding transfer Saturday as they started the day with 52 gamers on their lively roster.
With McKinley now signed to the 53-man roster, ought to the staff later need to ship him again to the apply squad, it must launch him first, making him eligible to be claimed by different golf equipment. Earlier this season, the Dolphins signed large receiver River Cracraft to the roster after utilizing his three practice-squad elevations. He has remained with the staff since.
Miami opted towards signing McKinley to the 53-man roster for final week’s sport towards the Chicago Bears as a result of Eric Rowe was the security primarily getting used reverse Holland. Bringing McKinley up this week may very well be a sign that the defensive sport plan towards Cleveland includes extra packages for him. Rowe was a wholesome inactive on Oct. 30 in Detroit when McKinley began.
McKinley has two tackles on the season. His one towards the Lions prevented tight finish T.J. Hockenson from scoring an extended landing.
The Dolphins use their third elevation on Smith. He was additionally elevated for the Week 6 loss to the Vikings and final week’s win towards the Bears.
Smith offers depth on an offensive line which will stay with out Austin Jackson, who’s questionable for Sunday’s sport with ankle and calf accidents.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com