Dolphins add Jarquez Hunter back to practice squad

Smith, a former first-round pick by the Cowboys in 2023, appeared in one game for the Dolphins earlier this season and has appeared in just nine games since 2025. The 25-year-old lineman has tallied 57 tackles and two sacks in his career and wouldn’t be asked to serve as anything more than added depth for the Packers if he were elevated to the 53-man roster.

Hunter, a 2025 fourth-round pick with the Rams, was traded to the Dolphins earlier this year. He was recently waived. The Saints need help in the backfield with Travis Etienne (hamstring) on injured reserve. Hunter has long odds of meaningfully contributing, though he was an intriguing prospect.

It’s a bit surprising after Hunter was acquired in a 1-for-1 swap for Tutu Atwell three days ago, but the Dolphins are undoubtedly hoping he will clear waivers and revert to the practice squad. The move was also a Miami money-saver, so it was not all for naught. Also waived/released by the Dolphins are OT Gottlieb Ayedze, CB Miles Battle, S Major Burns, TE Jeremiah Franklin, QB Mark Gronowski, WR Donaven McCulley, EDGE Rodney McGraw, CB Jai’Onte’ McMillan, QB Cam Miller, DL Fatorma Mulbah, LB Cam Riley, RB Carlos Washington Jr., DL Matthew Butler, LB Tyrel Dodson, EDGE Cameron Goode, OT Charlie Heck, S Lonnie Johnson Jr., WR Terrace Marshall Jr., EDGE David Ojabo, WR Jalen Reagor and CB Marco Wilson.

Smith was one of the key pieces in the trade that sent Quinnen Williams to Dallas. The Jets declined his fifth-year option in April before eventually releasing him at final roster cuts. Smith graded as one of the worst defensive linemen in the league in 2025, per Pro Football Focus, and will likely be forced to settle for a depth role moving forward.

Back with his old team, Atwell is highly unlikely to warrant FLEX treatment this season, but he provides the Rams with a speed element that the offense was somewhat lacking. The move also indicates that TE Terrance Ferguson will not be asked to stretch the field as much as he did last year, freeing him up for a potential breakout campaign. Last week, The Athletic’s Nate Atkins reported that Hunter has had a good training camp, showing “many of the rushing skills that had the Rams enamored enough to trade up and draft him in the fourth round last year.” He will likely compete for the No. 2 running back job in Miami.

The Jets acquired Smith when they traded Quinnen Williams to Dallas. Smith only appeared in three games for Gang Green last year. He did not record any counting stats. Smith now enters a contract year with a lot to prove.

In other words, Hunter is simply waiting on Blake Corum or Kyren Williams to actually miss time. When neither of them did, he managed only five active games and zero offensive snaps. It’s early to cut bait with Hunter in dynasty leagues, but he certainly isn’t giving off any “must keep” vibes at this point.

Corum is firmly on the wrong side of questionable at this point and the Rams have already secured a playoff spot. Starting RB Kyren Williams (ankle) is nursing an ankle injury. If both players are declared inactive, rookie RB Jarquez Hunter could get the start.

Williams’ backup, RB Blake Corum (ankle), has not yet practiced this week and the Rams are already headed to the playoffs. Rams rookie RB Jarquez Hunter could see live action this week against the Cardinals, if the coaching staff opts to preserve Williams’ health for the postseason.

Adams has been rehabbing this hamstring injury for weeks. He played through it without issue in Week 14 but suffered a re-injury in Week 15. Tonight’s absence was expected. It gives rookie WR Konata Mumpfield a chance to establish himself as a contributor, though expectations must be held in check. He should not be started in re-draft formats. The Rams also declared CB Ahkello Witherspoon, QB Stetson Bennett IV, RB Jarquez Hunter, OL Beaux Limmer and OLB Nick Hampton inactive in Week 16 against the Seahawks.