Miami Dolphins Roster Shake-Up Sparks Week 11 Intrigue

The Miami Dolphins enter their Week 11 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders with a reshuffled roster that reflects both encouraging returns and concerning absences, creating a complex puzzle for the coaching staff to solve as they aim to build momentum following their dominant performance against Buffalo.

Veterans Make Timely Return to Bolster Lineup

Three significant contributors are rejoining the active roster after missing the Dolphins’ commanding 30-13 dismantling of the Bills. Edge rusher Chop Robinson returns to reinforce a pass rush that has shown flashes of effectiveness this season. Safety Ashtyn Davis adds depth to a secondary that will need all available resources. Perhaps most intriguing is tight end Julian Hill’s activation, which opens strategic possibilities for offensive coordinator Frank Smith.

Hill’s presence raises compelling questions about personnel packages. Over their previous three contests, the Dolphins deployed Daniel Brunskill as a de facto sixth offensive lineman aligned at tight end, a formation designed to strengthen run blocking while maintaining flexibility in play-action concepts. Whether Hill’s return signals a continuation of that heavy package or a shift toward more traditional tight end usage remains to be seen, but his versatility could provide valuable options in short-yardage situations.

Secondary Faces Challenge Without Douglas

The defensive backfield confronts its second consecutive game without cornerback Rasul Douglas, a veteran presence whose absence forces younger players into expanded roles. JuJu Brents, acquired from the Indianapolis Colts after being selected in the second round of a previous draft, steps into his second straight start following an encouraging showing against Buffalo’s aerial attack.

Brents demonstrated adequate coverage skills and physical play during his initial start, suggesting the former Colts prospect might be finding his footing in Miami’s defensive scheme. His development becomes critical with Douglas sidelined, particularly against opponents capable of exploiting inexperience in coverage. The coaching staff will likely provide additional safety help over the top, but Brents must hold up in man-to-man situations to validate the confidence placed in him.

Special Teams and Depth Chart Adjustments

Wide receiver and return specialist Dee Eskridge joins the inactive list after suffering a shoulder injury during the Thursday night defeat against Baltimore. His absence creates an opportunity for running back Ollie Gordon II, who will complement Malik Washington as the team’s primary kickoff return options. Washington has shown explosive potential in limited opportunities, while Gordon brings a different dimension with his size and straight-line speed.

Quarterback Hierarchy Remains Unchanged

The signal-caller depth chart maintains its recent configuration, with Zach Wilson continuing as the primary backup. Quinn Ewers retains his designation as the emergency third quarterback, a role that has sparked considerable discussion among observers. This arrangement, now entering its third consecutive game, suggests the coaching staff values Wilson’s experience and familiarity with the system over potential alternatives, though questions persist about long-term planning at the position.

Rookies and Roster Movement

Seventh-round selection Zeek Biggers from Georgia Tech receives his third activation of the season at defensive tackle. His elevation coincides with Matthew Butler’s first inactive designation this year, potentially signaling a shift in the defensive line rotation or simply reflecting matchup-specific considerations. The Georgia Tech product brings athleticism and gap penetration ability that could prove useful against certain blocking schemes.

Outside linebacker Andre Carter II remains inactive for a second straight week following his acquisition from Detroit’s practice squad. The move came in response to trading Jaelan Phillips to Philadelphia, but Carter’s continued absence suggests he requires additional time to absorb the defensive playbook and earn the coaching staff’s trust in game situations.

Raiders Navigate Their Own Personnel Challenges

Las Vegas enters Sunday’s matchup having ruled out four players from their 53-man roster, including quarterback Aidan O’Connell and wide receiver Davante Adams. The inactive list also features receiver Kristian Wilkerson and linebacker Divine Deablo, forcing depth chart adjustments across multiple position groups.

Additional absences include offensive tackles Andrus Peat and Thayer Munford, along with tight end Michael Mayer. Mayer appeared on the final injury report with a questionable designation alongside linebacker Luke Masterson, who ultimately secured activation for Sunday’s contest.

The Dolphins face a Raiders squad managing significant roster instability, potentially creating opportunities to exploit unfamiliar combinations and communication breakdowns. However, Miami cannot overlook the challenge of integrating returning players while managing their own absences. Success hinges on whether veterans like Robinson and Hill can immediately contribute without extended ramp-up periods, and whether Brents can sustain his promising initial performance. The outcome may ultimately depend on which team better navigates its personnel constraints while executing fundamental football.