Miami Dolphins cut Ryan Miller, thinning out struggling receiver unit

The Miami Dolphins have released Ryan Miller, cutting the receiver who caught Malik Willis’ first touchdown pass in Miami.

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Miller, a former Furman standout whom the Dolphins claimed off the waiver wire in August, had been a regular contributor on special teams for the first five games of the 2026 season.

The 6-foot-2, 221 pound slot receiver, who is in his third season in the NFL after making the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ roster as an undrafted rookie, caught a 77-yard touchdown reception in Miami’s 35-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in week two. That catch was the first touchdown pass of Willis’ career as a Dolphins starter, and the longest of his career thus far.

This season Miller has played 43 offensive snaps, catching three of the four passes thrown his way, turning those receptions into 92 yards and one touchdown.

He’s also played 73 special teams snaps, working on the unit that has struggled mightily for the Dolphins.

At this point it’s unclear if Miller contributed to any of those special teams struggles, or if Miami waived him to make room for someone else being added to the 53-man roster.

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It’s possible that Miller could be re-signed to the Dolphins’ practice squad if he’s not claimed by another NFL team on Wednesday.

His removal leaves Malik Washington, Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman Jr. and Jalen Tolbert as the only healthy receivers available on the Dolphins’ 53-man roster going into this week’s bye.

Caleb Douglas, the Dolphins’ top rookie receiver, has been sidelined the past three games by a right ankle injury he’s working his way back from. It’s quite possible Miller’s release is an indication that Douglas will be cleared to practice next week when the Dolphins begin preparation for a road game against the New York Jets.

The Dolphins also have Jalen Raegor, A.J. Henning, and Will Sheppard on the team’s practice squad. None of those three receivers have been called up for game day, which means they all have three practice squad elevations available.

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