Miami Dolphins elevate backup QB Logan Thomas from practice squad

Of all the needs on a Dolphins team that’s 5-8, a third quarterback is low on the list.

But that’s exactly what they added Wednesday when they elevated Logan Thomas from their practice squad.

The Dolphins waived offensive lineman Jeff Linkenbach to make room.

Thomas, who was on the team’s active roster to start the season after being claimed off waivers, has been on the Dolphins’ developmental squad since Sept. 15.

Here’s why the move was made: The Bengals tried to steal Thomas away, and Miami wanted to keep him for 2016.

“We went back and forth and decided this was the best place for me to be at this current moment,” Thomas said.

Here’s why: “I think I have the opportunity, if I do what I know I can do and how I play, that I can be the No. 2 behind Ryan [Tannehill] and push him as much as possible. I have a good rapport with him already and a lot of other guys in this locker room.”

If that happens, it would mean the end of Matt Moore’s time in Miami. Moore has been Tannehill’s backup the past four seasons but is not under contract in 2016.

FOCUSED ON FUTURE

Damontre Moore fought a teammate over a pair of free headphones. He reportedly feuded with his coach and his general manager.

Those are some of the reasons Moore is a former New York Giant and not a current one.

Moore instead is a Miami Dolphin, claimed off waivers earlier this week.

When asked Wednesday about his issues in the Big Apple, Moore, a third-year defensive end, tried to focus on the future.

“The past is the past. It is what it is. I can say that I was very immature during my time up there, but I learned from my mistakes, and it’s only better things now,” Moore said. “I’m in South Beach, baby. Why are we still talking about New York?”

WALKING WOUNDED

The Dolphins are a banged-up team. Three players were unable to practice Wednesday, even though the team only had a walkthrough.

They were: defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (calf), cornerback Bobby McCain (concussion) and linebacker Jelani Jenkins (ankle).

Mitchell will likely miss Sunday’s game against the Chargers, interim coach Dan Campell said.

The news was better for receiver Rishard Matthews (ribs), who practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and hopes to play Sunday.

Five other Dolphins were limited in their participation: tackle Ja’Wuan James (toe), receiver Jarvis Landry (knee), running back Lamar Miller (ankle), guard Billy Turner (calf) and running back Damien Williams (back).

“Look, Jarvis is beat up,” Campbell said of Landry. “This is the worst he’s felt in the two years that he’s been here. What we were trying to do is preserve him as much as we could yet still obviously have enough in the tank on offense for him.”

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 2:16 PM with the headline "Miami Dolphins elevate backup QB Logan Thomas from practice squad."