Dolphins: 5 players who won’t be on the roster by Week 1

2. Patrick Laird, running back

When they lacked other options late in the 2019 season, Laird had somewhat of a run as the Dolphins’ lead back. But 2020 brought a clogged depth chart at all points (Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed, Jordan Howard, Matt Breida, Deandre Washington), and just 13 carries for 72 yards all season.

Miami signed Malcolm Brown in free agency, and drafted Gerrid Doaks in the seventh round. But they still weren’t content with their running back depth, as they tried to claim former Lion Kerryon Johnson before the Eagles got him.

Gaskin, Ahmed and Brown are pretty much locked into 53-man roster spots, which will leave Laird competing with Doaks to be the fourth running back as offseason work goes on and training camp gets rolling in late-July (barring any further additions to the mix). Simple numbers say Laird will be gone by the time training camp’s over.

1. Allen Hurns, wide receiver

Hurns opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns and having a baby on the way. He’s lined up to be back this year, but being out of the game for a season won’t help him to earn a roster spot in Miami. A quick glance at the depth chart, if Preston Williams is healthy, has him no higher than fifth. And that might be generous.

Will Fuller
DeVante Parker
Jaylen Waddle
Preston Williams
Hurns?
Jakeem Grant
Mack Hollins
Lynn Bowden

If Hurns shows himself well upon his return to football, the Dolphins would presumably try to find a place for him. It’s just not likely they’ll have a good reason to keep him, amid all the other wide receiver options they have available.