The Miami Dolphins released Chris Brooks from their injured reserve with a settlement Monday, making the running back a free agent.
Brooks, 24, was one of three players waived/injured by the Dolphins last week as part of final cuts, along with offensive lineman Ryan Hayes and wide receiver Braylon Sanders. While all three reverted to Miami’s IR after going unclaimed on the waiver wire, the injury settlement officially removes Brooks from the roster altogether.
While the Dolphins could eventually bring back Brooks, NFL rules state they’ll have to wait several weeks to do so. In the meantime, Brooks is allowed to sign anywhere else.
Brooks earned a spot on the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie in 2023 and appeared in nine games, finishing the year with 106 yards on 19 carries. While he had strong moments in the 2024 preseason (103 yards on 17 carries), the addition of Jaylen Wright left little room for Brooks on the active roster.
In the Dolphins’ second preseason game, Brooks exited with a hit that landed him in the concussion protocol. He did not play in Miami’s preseason finale a week later.
