Dolphins Make Two Practice Squad Elevations for Patriots Game

The Miami Dolphins will have the same quarterback set up for a second consecutive week.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tim Boyle (14) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at Lumen Field in Week 3. / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins made their weekly practice squad elevations on Saturday, though for the first time all season, they did not involve a wide receiver.

The Dolphins, instead, will elevate quarterback Tim Boyle after re-signing him to the practice squad one day after they released the veteran. This move was thoroughly expected because his release was done to create a roster spot for wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. while keeping the ability to bring Boyle back to the practice squad in time to elevate him to serve as Tyler Huntley's backup for a second consecutive game.

Skylar Thompson, who was listed as questionable on the week's final injury report, likely will serve as the emergency third quarterback again.

The other player the Dolphins elevated was defensive back Nik Needham, whose ability to play safety made him the logical option. Veteran Jordan Poyer was ruled out because of a shin injury, and Veteran Marcus Maye is expected to start alongside Jevon Holland in Poyer's absence.

In the first four weeks, the Dolphins elevated wide receivers Robbie Chosen (Week 1-2), Erik Ezukanma (Week 2-3), and Dee Eskridge (Week 3-4).

But Beckham's now joining the active roster, and Malik Washington's making his NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans on Monday night has eliminated the need to bring up a wide receiver from the practice squad.

NOT YET FOR CAM SMITH

Along with the practice squad elevations, the Dolphins also announced Saturday that cornerback Cam Smith had been downgraded to "Out," meaning he will not be activated off injured reserve (IR) to make his season debut.

Smith has been out with a hamstring injury, and the Dolphins designated him to return when they put him on IR on August 27th, along with wide receiver River Cracraft.

Smith remains one of the three players designated to return from IR at any time, along with Cracraft and rookie safety Pat McMorris. The other Dolphins player on IR who's been designated to return is quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who will be eligible to return starting in Week 8 when the Dolphins are scheduled to face the Arizona Cardinals.