Dolphins Release Cornerback Duck, Sign Kicker Gonzalez Amid Special Teams Overhaul

Key points

• The Dolphins released cornerback Storm Duck, who had been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of training camp due to a knee injury. Duck had been practicing fully for two weeks before the team decided not to activate him.
• The team is signing veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez, who was previously released from injured reserve after suffering an injury in August. Gonzalez will join the practice squad following a tryout that included five kickers.
• Kicker Riley Patterson was released after missing two field goals and one extra point in the first five games of the season. Patterson had set a franchise record for field goal accuracy in the 2025 season but struggled significantly in 2026.
• Former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who is currently suspended for violating the league's personal conduct policy, participated in the Dolphins' kicker tryout. Tucker has not played in an NFL game since 2024 and has tried out for several teams since his suspension.
• The Dolphins' special teams unit has been a major concern, with the team allowing an NFL-high 34.1 yards per kickoff return. Coach Jeff Hafley expressed dissatisfaction with the execution of kickoffs, particularly after an 81-yard return by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Background

The Dolphins are 0-5 and have faced significant challenges with their special teams and defensive backfield this season. The team had previously struggled with kicker Riley Patterson, who had a strong 2025 season but missed multiple kicks in 2026. The decision to sign Zane Gonzalez, who was previously released from injured reserve, indicates the team's desire to find a more reliable kicker. The release of Storm Duck, who had been on the physically unable to perform list since training camp, reflects the team's need to make roster decisions based on performance and availability. The team's special teams unit has been a major point of concern, with the team allowing an NFL-high 34.1 yards per kickoff return. The Dolphins are also dealing with other roster issues, including the injury to rookie pass rusher and the need to improve their defensive backfield.

How outlets are covering it

The Miami Herald reported that the Dolphins released Storm Duck after a 21-day evaluation period, noting that Duck had been practicing fully for two weeks. The Herald also mentioned that the team's other player on the physically unable to perform list, cornerback Darrell Baker, is close to returning. NBC Sports reported that the Dolphins held tryouts for five kickers, including Justin Tucker, after cutting Riley Patterson. The article noted that Tucker has tried out for several teams since his suspension and has not played in an NFL game since 2024. Dolphins Wire reported that the Dolphins are signing Zane Gonzalez, who was previously released from injured reserve after suffering an injury in August. The article noted that Gonzalez had a strong career, making 115-of-142 field goals and 163-of-171 extra points. Sports Illustrated reported that the Dolphins' special teams unit has been a major concern, with the team allowing an NFL-high 34.1 yards per kickoff return. The article noted that the team's decision to sign Gonzalez is part of a broader effort to stabilize the special teams unit. The outlets generally agree that the Dolphins are making significant roster changes to address their struggles, but they differ in their emphasis on the specific reasons for the changes. The Herald focused on the release of Storm Duck, while NBC Sports and Dolphins Wire focused on the kicker tryouts and the signing of Gonzalez. Sports Illustrated provided a broader perspective on the team's special teams struggles and the potential impact of the kicker change.

Why it matters

The release of Storm Duck and the signing of Zane Gonzalez are significant moves for the Miami Dolphins, who are 0-5 and struggling with their special teams and defensive backfield. The decision to release Duck, who had been on the physically unable to perform list since training camp, reflects the team's need to make roster decisions based on performance and availability. The signing of Gonzalez, who was previously released from injured reserve after suffering an injury in August, indicates the team's desire to find a more reliable kicker. The move highlights the team's urgent need to stabilize its special teams unit, which has been a major point of concern for coach Jeff Hafley. The Dolphins' special teams unit has been a major concern, with the team allowing an NFL-high 34.1 yards per kickoff return. The team's decision to sign Gonzalez is part of a broader effort to stabilize the special teams unit and improve their overall performance. The release of Storm Duck and the signing of Zane Gonzalez are likely to have a significant impact on the team's performance in the coming weeks, as the team seeks to turn around its 0-5 start and improve its standing in the AFC East.

What to watch

The Dolphins will resume their schedule on Sunday against the New York Jets, who are 2-4. The team will need to see if the changes to their special teams unit and defensive backfield have any impact on their performance. The team will also need to monitor the progress of Darrell Baker, who is close to returning from the physically unable to perform list. The Dolphins will need to continue to address their struggles with their special teams and defensive backfield as they seek to turn around their 0-5 start and improve their standing in the AFC East. The team's performance in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the changes to their roster have had any positive impact on their overall performance.