Active Roster Addition of Johnson for the Miami Dolphins

As the Miami Dolphins continue to refine their roster for the final push of the regular season and a potential playoff run, the team announced a key active roster addition on Thursday: signing running back Royce Johnson to a one-year deal. The move comes as the Dolphins look to bolster their backfield depth, with starter De’Von Achane dealing with a nagging ankle injury that has limited his reps in practice this week. Johnson, a 26-year-old with two seasons of NFL experience, brings a blend of speed and power that complements Miami’s existing rushing attack, led by Raheem Mostert. This addition isn’t just a short-term fix—it’s a strategic move to ensure the Dolphins have reliable options at running back as they face tough divisional opponents like the Buffalo Bills in Week 18. Active Roster Addition of Johnson for the Miami Dolphins breaks down Johnson’s football background, the rationale behind the signing, how he fits into Miami’s offense, and what his arrival means for the team’s stretch-run success.

Active Roster Addition of Johnson for the Miami Dolphins starts with Johnson’s journey to the NFL and his prior experience. A undrafted free agent out of the University of Texas at Austin in 2022, Johnson first signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad. He saw limited action in 2023, appearing in six games and rushing for 128 yards on 27 carries (4.7 yards per attempt) with one touchdown. His breakout moment came in a Week 16 game against the Houston Texans, where he rushed for 75 yards on 14 carries and scored his first NFL touchdown, showcasing his ability to handle a larger workload. Johnson is known for his quick feet in the hole, his ability to break tackles, and his reliability in pass protection—three traits the Dolphins value in their running backs. “Royce is a player we’ve had our eye on for a while,” said Dolphins general manager Chris Grier. “He’s shown he can contribute in both the run and pass game, and his performance last season in Cleveland proved he can step up when given the opportunity. Adding him to our active roster gives us the depth we need at running back, especially with Achane dealing with an injury.”

To understand how Active Roster Addition of Johnson for the Miami Dolphins fits into the team’s offensive scheme, look at Miami’s rushing attack and what Johnson brings to the table. The Dolphins rank 5th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (132.1) this season, with Mostert leading the way with 987 yards and 13 touchdowns. Achane, when healthy, adds a speed element, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. However, Achane’s ankle injury has raised concerns about overworking Mostert, who has already logged 182 carries—his highest total since 2019. Johnson’s style balances both: he’s fast enough to stretch the field (4.48 40-yard dash time) and powerful enough to run between the tackles, making him a versatile backup for both Mostert and Achane. Offensive coordinator Frank Smith noted that Johnson will be integrated into Miami’s zone-running scheme, which relies on runners reading blocks and finding cutback lanes—something Johnson excelled at in college and the NFL. “Royce’s ability to read zone blocks and make quick decisions fits perfectly with what we do,” Smith said. “He can run outside zone to take advantage of our offensive line’s athleticism, and he can also handle inside zone when we need to move the chains. Having him gives us more flexibility to adjust our run game based on what the defense is giving us.”

Active Roster Addition of Johnson for the Miami Dolphins also addresses a critical need for the Dolphins: avoiding burnout for Mostert as the season enters its most important phase. Mostert, who turns 32 next month, has a history of injuries, and overusing him in the regular season could put him at risk for a more serious issue in the playoffs. Johnson’s addition allows the Dolphins to give Mostert occasional rest during games, keeping him fresh for crunch time. For the Miami Dolphins, this kind of load management is key to sustaining success deep into January. “Raheem has been incredible for us this season, but we can’t ask him to do it all,” said head coach Mike McDaniel. “Adding Royce means we can keep Raheem fresh, which will make him even more dangerous in the playoffs. It’s not just about protecting Raheem—it’s about making our offense better as a whole. Royce gives us another weapon, and that’s what championship teams need.” Johnson’s presence also provides insurance if Achane’s injury lingers, ensuring the Dolphins don’t have to rely on unproven practice squad players in high-stakes games.

Another layer of Active Roster Addition of Johnson for the Miami Dolphins is the reaction from the team’s offense, particularly the running backs and offensive line. Mostert, who has been a mentor to younger players throughout his career, welcomed Johnson with open arms, noting that competition makes the group stronger. “Having Royce here is great for all of us,” Mostert said. “He’s a hard worker, and he brings a different skill set to the room. It pushes me to be better, and it pushes Achane too. We’re all here to win, and Royce is going to help us do that.” The offensive line, which has been a strength for the Dolphins this season, also praised Johnson’s running style, noting that his ability to read blocks will make their jobs easier. “Royce is a smart runner—he sees the holes quickly and doesn’t waste time,” said left tackle Terron Armstead. “That’s fun to block for because you know he’s going to make the most of the opportunities we give him. He’s going to fit right in with our group.” For the Miami Dolphins, this positive reaction from teammates is a good sign that Johnson will integrate quickly, which is crucial given the tight timeline before Week 18.

The final dimension of Active Roster Addition of Johnson for the Miami Dolphins is the long-term potential of the move, beyond just the 2024 season. While Johnson is signed to a one-year deal, his performance over the next few weeks could earn him a longer contract with the Dolphins. Miami has been focused on building a sustainable roster, and adding young, cost-effective players like Johnson aligns with that strategy. For Johnson, this opportunity is a chance to prove he can be a reliable NFL running back, not just a practice squad player. “I’m grateful for the Dolphins giving me this chance,” Johnson said after his first practice with the team. “This is a great organization with a great offense, and I’m ready to contribute any way I can. Whether it’s special teams, backing up Raheem and Achane, or getting some carries in the run game, I’m here to work hard and help this team win.” As the Dolphins prepare to face the Bills in a game that could decide the AFC East title, the addition of Royce Johnson has strengthened their backfield, boosted their depth, and given them another weapon to rely on. For the Miami Dolphins, every active roster move is a step toward their goal of winning a Super Bowl—and Johnson’s arrival is no exception. “We’re building something special here,” McDaniel said. “Adding players like Royce helps us keep that momentum going. Now let’s go out there and win.”