The Miami Dolphins inactives list paints good news for linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks has been dealing with knee and ankle injuries, which led to him missing Wednesday and Thursday practice. Despite being upgraded to a limited participant on Friday, there was doubt that he could play.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel also indicated that the team would have to see where Brooks is this week to see if he can suit up.
With the inactive list coming out for the Dolphins, the NFL's lead tackler is active for the Cincinnati Bengals game.
Among the inactives on the list is Tua Tagovailoa as the third emergency quarterback. Wide receivers Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Tahj Washington, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, cornerback Isaiah Johnson, tackle Kendall Lamm, and defensive tackle Matthew Butler.
The elevation of Kion Smith makes sense, considering Lamm has been ruled out once again.
The Dolphins also made some elevations for this game, bringing in Theo Wease Jr., and Ethan Robinson was also signed to replace Johnson being out.
Miami is entering a crucial final three-game stretch. Not only is rookie Quinn Ewers now leading the offense, but it appears the Dolphins are set to start playing some younger players so the team can take stock in what they have.
Wease being activated was for a reason, as Westbrook-Ikhine and Washington are out, but now the rookie can show what he can do.
Wease became a favorite target for Ewers during preseason action and training camp, so his elevation also makes sense for that purpose.
The Dolphins are out of playoff contention, but the team can end the season on a high note with a winning record. The team will need to win their final three games, and they have a shot to start that against the Bengals.
There is no telling what the organization has planned for the offseason, but Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is essentially playing for his job. A winning 9-8 record could go a long way in proving he is the man for the job in 2026.
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross got rid of Chris Grier, so a new general manager will come in once the season wraps up. Whether that new GM wants to keep McDaniel remains to be seen, but Ross might also want to keep the coach in place.
Either way, the Dolphins have their lead tackler available for this potential win.