Dolphins Sign DT Justin Ellis, a nine-year veteran

The Dolphins already have Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler, Raekwon Davis and Da'Shawn Hand on the 53-man roster, and as far as we know none of the four are nursing a significant injury.

To make room for Ellis on the 16-player practice squad the Dolphins release safety Verone McKinley III, a former Oregon standout who has been with the franchise for the past two seasons.

McKinley played in 10 career games with two starts, all for the Dolphins in 2022. 

He’s totaled 16 tackles (10 solo), one interception and one pass defensed in his NFL career.

McKinley was the only safety on Miami's practice squad, but the presence of Jevon Holland and De'Shon Elliott, the two starters, Brandon Jones and Nik Needham, a cornerback who also plays safety, made his the most expendable option.

Ellis spent training camp with the Atlanta Falcons, but didn’t make it onto the Falcons’ 53-man roster or practice squad.

The Dolphins also in the market for some linebacker help in light of the knee injury Jerome Baker suffered against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

Miami brought in a former first-round pick for a workout Wednesday to see if Reuben Foster could help fortify that unit’s depth, but Foster announced on his social media account he wasn't being signed.

At this point it's unclear if Foster was the only inside linebacker Miami worked out this week, but it's possible Miami's coaches and decision makers view depth as a concern because the only player behind David Long Jr. and Duke Riley at the moment is Channing Tindall, who has had a slow start to his NFL career.

Miami also has Alexander Johnson on the practice squad, and it's possible that Johnson could be added to the game day roster for three games, which is the maximum amount of promotions allowed for practice squad players before they need to be elevated to the 53-man roster.