Miami Dolphins’ Season Finale Strategy Revealed

The Miami Dolphins are set to make some intriguing roster moves for their season finale against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Two players from the practice squad will be elevated to the active roster, each with their own unique story and potential impact on the game.

One of the players is Jeff Wilson Jr., a running back who has been making waves in his third elevation of the season. The other is Derrick McLendon, an edge defender who has shown promise during training camp and has been elevated for the second consecutive week. These decisions reflect the team’s strategy as they prepare for their final game of the regular season.

De’Von Achane’s Absence

The elevation of Wilson suggests that the team’s MVP, De’Von Achane, may not be available due to a shoulder injury. He was listed as doubtful on the final injury report of the week, which raises questions about his participation in the game. With Achane out, the Dolphins have three other running backs on the 53-man roster, but only Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II remain besides Achane.

Donovan Edwards, who was signed off the Washington Commanders practice squad just days before the game, is unlikely to be active. This leaves the Dolphins in need of a third halfback, and Wilson could fill that role. However, it remains to be seen whether he will be used on offense this time around.

Jeff Wilson Jr.’s Track Record

Wilson was first elevated for the opener against the Indianapolis Colts and then again in Week 2 against the Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. However, he saw limited action, playing only two snaps against the Colts without touching the ball and not getting any snaps at all against the Patriots. His performance so far has been minimal, but the Dolphins may be looking for a spark in their final game.

Derrick McLendon’s Potential

McLendon’s elevation marks the second consecutive week he has been brought up from the practice squad. However, he was inactive in the previous game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the situation that required his elevation did not materialize. Despite this, the Dolphins might be in need of an extra edge defender against the Patriots, especially with Robinson listed as questionable due to a concussion.

Since the start of the regular season, players who sustained concussions have been inactive the following week, including Robinson and linebacker Tyrel Dodson. McLendon’s performance in training camp was impressive enough that some media members were surprised he didn’t make the 53-man roster.

Other Roster Moves

For the first time since Week 13, the Dolphins did not elevate an offensive lineman from the practice squad. This likely means that center Aaron Brewer will be back in the lineup after missing his streak of consecutive starts at 66 games due to a neck injury.

Practice Squad Elevations for 2025

Here is a list of the Dolphins’ practice squad elevations throughout the 2025 season:

1. Week 1: K Riley Patterson (1st), RB Jeff Wilson (1st)
2. Week 2: K Riley Patterson (2nd), RB Jeff Wilson (2nd)
3. Week 3: K Riley Patterson (3rd), S Jordan Colbert (1st)
4. Week 4: No elevations
5. Week 5: No elevations
6. Week 6: LB Quinton Bell (1st), CB Isaiah Johnson (1st)
7. Week 7: LB Quinton Bell (2nd), CB Kendall Sheffield (1st)
8. Week 8: TE Hayden Rucci (1st), CB Kendall Sheffield (2nd)
9. Week 9: TE Hayden Rucci (2nd), CB Isaiah Johnson (2nd)
10. Week 10: LB Quinton Bell (3rd), CB Isaiah Johnson (3rd)
11. Week 11: No elevations
12. Week 13: No elevations
13. Week 14: OL Kion Smith (1st)
14. Week 15: OL Kion Smith (2nd)
15. Week 16: OL Kion Smith (3rd), WR Theo Wease Jr. (1st)
16. Week 17: LB Derrick McLendon (1st), OL Josh Priebe (1st)
17. Week 18: LB Derrick McLendon (2nd), RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (3rd)

*Note: Players marked with an asterisk were later signed to the active roster.

Additional Coverage

For more coverage on the Miami Dolphins, check out the following articles:

• Dolphins Saturday Mailbag: Ross, McDaniel, Aikman, and More
• Dolphins-Patriots Week 18 National Predictions Roundup: Any Miami Votes?
• Setting the Stage for the Week 18 Dolphins-Patriots Matchup
• Waller’s Season Over; Looking Back and Looking Ahead
• GM Candidates to Watch for Dolphins

This article originally covered the latest developments ahead of the Dolphins’ season finale.