Miami Dolphins practice squad: Team signs Erik Ezukanma, Nik Needham and eight others

The Miami Dolphins began rebuilding the practice squad with a balance of veterans and rookies.

The Miami Dolphins signed 10 players to the practice squad on Wednesday afternoon, including safety Jordan Colbert, wide receiver Erik Ezukanma, defensive tackle Jonathan Harris, offensive lineman Chasen Hines, linebacker Dequan Jackson, cornerback Isaiah Johnson, tackle Bayron Matos, running back Anthony McFarland Jr., cornerback Nik Needham, and tight end Hayden Rucci, all of whom were released on 53-man cutdown day.

Colbert, Johnson, and Rucci, a trio of undrafted rookies, earned practice squad spots following strong preseason showings. Ezukanma, a 2022 fourth-round pick who has appeared in three games, could find his way onto the 53-man roster given Miami’s thin receiver depth with only four on the active roster.

As for the defensive line, Harris, who brings experience with 33 NFL games and nine starts, could help fill the gap left by Christian Wilkins’ absence in the trenches. On the opposite side of the ball, Matos joined Miami through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program in May.

While most teams are limited to 16 players on the practice squad, Miami can carry an additional player due to Matos’ participation in the Player Pathway Program.

As he enters his sixth season, Needham provides valuable depth at both cornerback and safety, which is crucial given two rookie defensive backs, Storm Duck and Patrick McMorris, on the 53-man roster.

Of the 16 practice squad spots, 10 are reserved for players with fewer than two accrued seasons in the NFL, while the other six can be used for veterans. Miami has room to sign one more veteran before filling the remaining six spots with early-career players.