The Miami Dolphins finalized linebacker Shaka Heyward’s addition to the active roster and added guard James Ester to the practice squad after holding tryouts for 12 players. Ester had previously been with the team during training camp.
The group at Tuesday’s workout included five linebackers, four running backs and two defensive ends in addition to Ester. Miami had changed Ester’s position from defensive tackle after claiming him from the Green Bay Packers during the offseason.
The running back evaluations followed De’Von Achane’s season-ending knee injury in Miami’s 24-10 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Hassan Haskins, who spent the previous four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the New England Patriots this year, was among those tested.
Former Seattle Seahawks player Kenny McIntosh, former University of Miami back Damien Martinez and former Michigan State back Elijah Tau-Tolliver also participated.
The linebackers were Amari Burney, Jack Dingle, Brandon George, Dasan McCullough and T.J. Quinn. Defensive ends Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Nathan Voorhis also worked out. Burney, who appeared in 24 games for the Las Vegas Raiders over two seasons in 2023 and 2024, is the only member of that group identified as having regular-season NFL experience.
Ester took one of the two open practice-squad positions. Miami also has one vacancy on its 53-player roster. Defensive tackle Keith Cooper Jr. cleared waivers after the Dolphins released him Monday, leaving him eligible for a possible return to the practice squad.
No running back from the tryout group had been signed, while Carlos Washington Jr. and Jarquez Hunter were identified as practice-squad candidates. Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II are the running backs currently on the active roster.
