Overview
- Multiple outlets reported that the Dolphins signed linebacker Shaka Heyward off the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad to Miami’s 53-man roster, a move announced by NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.
- Heyward is a 6-foot-3, 238-pound undrafted Duke product with 18 NFL appearances, 22 career tackles and one forced fumble from his time with the Bengals.
- NFL rules let teams sign players directly from another club’s practice squad to their active roster, which is how Miami acquired Heyward without a trade or waiver claim.
- The Dolphins made the move to shore up a thin linebacker group after veteran Ronnie Harrison Jr. and rookie Trey Moore went to injured reserve, and the team expects Heyward to see heavy special-teams work initially.
- For Heyward, who has logged limited defensive snaps with Cincinnati, the change offers immediate playing opportunity on a team searching for depth during an 0-3 start and also brings a notable family link to cousins Cameron and Connor Heyward.