Dolphins sign Carlos Washington Jr. and elevate two defenders for Minnesota

Miami signed Carlos Washington Jr. from the practice squad to its active roster Saturday, adding a third running back before Sunday's game at Minnesota. The Dolphins also elevated defensive lineman Mazi Smith and edge Rodney McGraw for the game.

Washington joins Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II in the backfield after De'Von Achane's season-ending knee injury. The Dolphins' announcement confirms a permanent active-roster signing rather than a standard elevation, giving Miami another running back available for the Vikings game.

David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that Washington was competing with practice-squad back Jarquez Hunter for the addition. Coach Jeff Hafley said Friday that both had practiced well and that the team might eventually need both. Saturday's transaction identifies Washington as the player added for this week.

Hafley described the two reserves as similar options who can catch passes and handle pass protection. Those comments explain the duties Miami considered while adding depth behind Wright and Gordon. They do not establish a workload for Washington or change the two backs already ahead of him in the group.

Washington initially signed with Miami May 21 and spent part of the offseason program and training camp with the Dolphins. He has appeared in two NFL games, both with Atlanta across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He originally entered the league with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and also spent time on their practice squad.

The defensive additions address separate parts of Miami's front. Smith joined the practice squad September 1 after three seasons with Dallas and the New York Jets. The Dolphins list him with 42 career appearances, 20 starts, 57 tackles and two sacks. Furones reported that Miami was adding tackle depth while Kenneth Grant remained on injured reserve.

McGraw signed with Miami as an undrafted rookie in May after finishing his college career at Western Michigan. He recorded eight sacks and 11 tackles for loss over his final two college seasons. His elevation gives the Dolphins another edge option with Rob Beal Jr. ruled out Friday because of a hamstring injury, according to Furones.

The running-back signing and defensive elevations are completed transactions before the trip to Minnesota. Washington strengthens the roster behind Wright and Gordon; Smith and McGraw add choices along the defensive front. Miami has not announced starting assignments or snap counts for the additions.