The initial 53-man roster for the Miami Dolphins has been released by the team.  This list does include player(s) who will revert to injured reserve (i.e., Jalen Ramsey), which will open up another roster spot or two very shortly that will be quickly filled. 

For now, here are the 53 players on the active roster to start the 2023 season for Dolphins. 

Quarterbacks (3): Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White, Skylar Thompson

The only question was whether Thompson might end up getting waived and signed to the practice squad, but obviously the team wanted to avoid the risk of losing him, especially given Tua's recent injury history. 

Running Backs/Fullback (6): Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Jr., De'Von Achane, Salvon Ahmed, Chris Brooks, Alec Ingold

The story is Brooks, who earned a fifth RB spot with a phenomenal preseason.  With no Jonathan Taylor, he will serve as the team's most physical and powerful runner. 

Wide Receiver (6): Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, Erik Ezukanma, Cedric Wilson, Jr., River Cracraft

The contract restructure that Wilson and the Dolphins agreed to on Tuesday obviously helped him stay in town.  Cracraft got the edge over Chosen for the final spot, it seems.  

Tight End (2): Durham Smythe, Julian Hill

This was one of the most surprising set of decisions to me.  Elijah Higgins has been a very promising receiver in camp and the preseason.  The cuts leave just two tight ends, while Higgins must clear waivers (big if) to make it to the practice squad.  Eric Saubert has reportedly been placed on IR, ending his season.

Offensive Line (10): Terron Armstead, Austin Jackson, Kendall Lamm, Robert Hunt, Connor Williams, Isaiah Wynn, Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones, Kion Smith, Lester Cotton

This is obviously a massive number, but it means a name or two will likely be headed to IR to start the season (Jones, perhaps Cotton).  

Defensive Line (5): Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis, Zach Sieler, Emmanuel Ogbah, Brandon Pili

I called for Hand to get the slight nod over Pili, but it went the other way.  It was pretty much even in my mind, so perhaps Hand's continual injury problems cost him a bit. 

Linebackers (7): Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Andrew Van Ginkel, David Long, Jr., Jerome Baker, Duke Riley, Channing Tindall

No surprises here.  4 ILBs kept, and with Ogbah, the Dolphins go two deep off the edge. 

Cornerbacks (6): Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, Eli Apple, Kelvin Joseph

A late trade on Tuesday afternoon sent Noah Igbinoghene to Dallas for CB Kelvin Joseph.  This group is thin and will likely see some potential depth added either to the practice squad or active roster, depending on outside roster cuts around the league.

Safeties (5): Jevon Holland, Brandon Jones, DeShon Elliott, Elijah Campbell

Verone McKinley III was reportedly expected to be released, but the team appears to have changed course and kept him on the 53.  A smart move, given the injury questions at the position (Jones and Campbell).

Specialists (3): Jason Sanders, Jake Bailey, Blake Ferguson

The easiest one to predict came true, as there were no other candidates. 

Dolphins’ Week 4 matchup with the Bills just got a bit easier

A key member of the Bills will not be available when the teams meet early in the season

Featured image via Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports