Roster Moves Announced Ahead of Game for the Miami Dolphins

With a critical AFC East showdown against the Buffalo Bills looming—and a chance to secure the division title and a top-two seed in the AFC on the line—the Miami Dolphins made a series of strategic roster moves on Friday, aiming to strengthen their depth and address key positional needs. The moves, announced by general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel, include activating two key defensive players from injured reserve, elevating a special teams standout from the practice squad, and placing one reserve offensive lineman on injured reserve. Each transaction is tailored to counter the Bills’ strengths—specifically their potent passing attack and physical running game—while maximizing the Dolphins’ own offensive firepower. Roster Moves Announced Ahead of Game for the Miami Dolphins breaks down the details of each move, the reasoning behind them, how they impact the team’s game plan, and what they mean for Miami’s chances of coming away with a win.

Roster Moves Announced Ahead of Game for the Miami Dolphins headlined with the activation of defensive end Jaelan Phillips from injured reserve. Phillips, who had been sidelined since Week 12 with a calf injury, is a disruptive pass-rusher who recorded 6 sacks and 12 quarterback hits in his first 11 games this season. His return is critical for a Dolphins defense that has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in his absence—Miami has recorded just 8 sacks in the five games Phillips missed, down from their average of 2.4 sacks per game with him in the lineup. “Jaelan is a game-changer for us,” McDaniel said in a press conference announcing the moves. “He has the ability to collapse the pocket and force quarterbacks into bad decisions—something we’ll need against Josh Allen, who’s one of the most mobile and elusive quarterbacks in the league.” The Dolphins also activated safety Eric Rowe from injured reserve; Rowe, who missed three games with a hamstring strain, adds depth to a secondary that will be tasked with covering Bills wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Rowe’s experience in slot coverage and ability to tackle in the open field will be key against Buffalo’s short-pass offense.

To complement the activations, Roster Moves Announced Ahead of Game for the Miami Dolphins included the elevation of practice squad linebacker Cameron Goode to the active roster for special teams. Goode, an undrafted free agent out of California, has spent most of the season on the practice squad but has impressed coaches with his speed and tackling ability in limited snaps. He’ll be tasked with covering kickoffs and punts, a critical role against the Bills—Buffalo ranks 10th in the NFL in kickoff return average (22.1 yards per return) and 12th in punt return average (9.8 yards per return). “Special teams can win or lose games, especially in a matchup this close,” special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said. “Cameron brings energy and discipline to our coverage units—he’s not afraid to make tackles in space, and that’s exactly what we need to slow down the Bills’ return game.” The Dolphins also placed reserve offensive lineman Robert Hunt on injured reserve with a knee injury; Hunt, who had been backing up right guard Robert Jones, suffered the injury in practice on Thursday. While the loss is a blow to depth, the Dolphins are confident in Jones and backup center Liam Eichenberg, who can also play guard if needed.

Roster Moves Announced Ahead of Game for the Miami Dolphins are not just about addressing injuries—they’re about aligning the team’s strengths with the Bills’ weaknesses. Phillips’ return will allow the Dolphins to use more four-man pass rushes, which will keep extra defensive backs in coverage to limit Diggs and Davis. Rowe’s activation means Miami can use more nickel and dime packages, which are effective against the Bills’ three-wide receiver sets. Goode’s elevation, meanwhile, ensures the Dolphins don’t give up easy yards on special teams—yards that could swing the game in a low-scoring matchup. For the Miami Dolphins, these moves are a reflection of their preparation and attention to detail. “We spend hours studying our opponents, and these roster moves are a direct result of that film work,” Grier said. “We know what the Bills do well, and we’ve made moves to counter those strengths while playing to our own. This is a team effort—from the front office to the coaching staff to the players—and these moves are designed to put us in the best position to win.”

Another layer of Roster Moves Announced Ahead of Game for the Miami Dolphins is the impact on team morale and confidence. Having Phillips and Rowe back in the lineup gives the defense a boost—both players are leaders in the locker room, and their presence will likely energize their teammates. Phillips, in particular, is known for his fiery pre-game speeches and ability to rally the defense. “Jaelan’s return is huge for us mentally,” defensive tackle Christian Wilkins said. “He’s a guy who brings intensity every day, and having him back out there with us will make everyone play harder. We know what he’s capable of, and we’re excited to have him leading the charge against the Bills.” The elevation of Goode also sends a message to the practice squad players that their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed—a message that can boost overall team morale. For the Miami Dolphins, a confident, unified team is just as important as a talented one—especially in a high-stakes game like this. “Morale is a big part of winning,” McDaniel said. “When players see their teammates coming back and getting opportunities, it lifts everyone up. This team is focused and ready, and these moves have only made us stronger.”

The final dimension of Roster Moves Announced Ahead of Game for the Miami Dolphins is what they mean for the team’s long-term playoff aspirations. A win over the Bills would give Miami the AFC East title and a first-round bye in the playoffs—something the team hasn’t achieved since 2008. These roster moves are designed to not just win this game, but to set the Dolphins up for success in the postseason. Phillips and Rowe will be key contributors in the playoffs, and Goode’s experience on special teams will be valuable in potential close games. For the Miami Dolphins, every move is made with the goal of winning a Super Bowl—and this game against the Bills is a step toward that goal. “This is a big game, but it’s just one game,” McDaniel said. “We’re focused on the task at hand, but we’re also building toward something bigger. These roster moves are about winning today, tomorrow, and deep into January. This team has worked hard all season for this opportunity, and we’re ready to seize it.” As the Dolphins take the field on Sunday, these roster moves will be put to the test—and if they work as planned, Miami could be well on its way to salvaging a successful season and making a deep playoff run.