The Miami Dolphins have churned the bottom of their roster and their practice squad frequently to start the 2026 season, and they're continuing that trend in Week 5.
On Tuesday, Miami announced that they've released running back Jarquez Hunter from the practice squad and signed re-signed quarterback Brady Cook to take his spot.
Hunter, 23, played collegiately at Auburn from 2021-24. He rushed for 3,378 yards and 25 touchdowns on 6.3 yards per attempt and caught 68 passes for an additional 558 yards and four scores. The Los Angeles Rams took him in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft but he didn't receive a single touch as a rookie.
Miami acquired Hunter this offseason in a trade that sent wide receiver Tutu Atwell to Los Angeles. Hunter landed
on the Dolphins' practice squad. While they had a huge need for running back depth after De'Von Achane went down, Hunter didn't get a chance.
Cook, 25, played at Missouri from 2020-24. He completed 65.5% of his passes for 9,0008 yards, 49 touchdowns and 15 interceptions while rushing for 1,209 yards and another 20 scores in 47 games. The New York Jets signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2025.
As a rookie, he appeared in five games, completing 57.5% of his passes for 739 yards with two touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the team to an 0-4 record in his starts. After he failed to make the roster out of camp, Miami claimed him off of waivers. They then waived him on Saturday to make room for defensive lineman Kenneth Grant on the 53-man roster.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins release RB they traded for before Week 1
