The Miami Dolphins had a decision to make on Tuesday, as they had hit the deadline to officially activate rookie running back Chris Brooks from injured reserve after three weeks of practice.
Miami used their seventh designation to return on Brooks, and if they hadn’t activated him from injured reserve by Tuesday, they would’ve lost him for the year and wasted the designation.
Brooks, 23, had played mostly on special teams before getting hurt in Miami’s win over the Carolina Panthers. Through his first six games, Brooks rushed for 94 yards on an impressive 6.3 yards per attempt.
To make room for the rookie back on the 53-man roster, the Dolphins released edge rusher Jason Pierre-Paul.
Pierre-Paul, 34, was added to the roster after Jaelan Phillips suffered his season-ending Achilles injury. However, Miami the veteran only ended up playing five defensive snaps (and eight on special teams) in his two appearances.
The Dolphins did recently re-sign Melvin Ingram to their practice squad, so if they do end up needing extra help on the edge, Ingram might be able to provide that.
It also wouldn’t be surprising to see Pierre-Paul brought back on the practice squad if he doesn’t get an offer elsewhere.