Dolphins poach Lions linebacker. And updates on Rasul Douglas and other injuries
The Dolphins went outside the building to replace Jaelan Phillips, poaching outside linebacker Andre Carter II from Detroit’s practice squad on Wednesday.
Carter — who is 6-6 and 257 pounds — fills Phillips’ spot on the 53-man roster two days after he was traded to Philadelphia for a 2026 third-round pick.
Carter — who hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game this season — signed with the Vikings, in 2023, as an undrafted free agent out of Army. He played 68 defensive snaps for Minnesota that season and had two tackles in 12 games.
The Vikings waived him the following August but kept him on their practice squad last season until the Raiders poached him on Dec. 18. He played 16 defensive snaps over three games for Las Vegas and had half a sack.
The Raiders waived him this past Aug. 25, and he joined the Lions’ practice squad three days later.
Carter, 25, had 102 tackles, 21 sacks, two interceptions, five passes defended, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 37 games at Army.
Carter attended four high schools, as his family moved from California, Texas and Connecticut.
Carter gives the Dolphins a fourth healthy edge rusher on the 53-man roster, joining Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon and Cameron Goode.
Chop Robinson remains in concussion protocol and Mike McDaniel said it’s unknown when he will return. He’s not yet cleared to do anything in practice.
The Dolphins opted for Carter instead of promoting practice squad outside linebackers Quinton Bell or Derrick McLendon.
Practice update
Cornerback Rasul Douglas, who injured a toe against Baltimore, was not seen during the media portion of Wednesday’s practice.
Douglas has been the Dolphins’ best cornerback this season; if he cannot play against Buffalo, then it will be Jack Jones, Jason Marshall, Ethan Bonner, Juju Brents and potentially Isaiah Johnson (who’s on practice squad) available at cornerback. Keep in mind that safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Dante Trader Jr. can play nickel cornerback.
As expected, edge rusher Chop Robinson also did not participate in practice; he remains in concussion protocol. And receiver Dee Eskridge also wasn’t spotted at practice.
Safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, who’s dealing with a toe injury, was working on the side at practice. But safety Ashtyn Davis, who missed last Thursday’s game with a quadriceps injury, was back at practice. Tight end Julian Hill, who has missed the past two games with an ankle injury, also returned to practice.
Here’s news from McDaniel’s Wednesday news conference.
Here’s a look at how Tua Tagovailoa has slid down the NFL leader-boards.
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 12:24 PM.
