Dolphins Adjust Roster Ahead of Steelers Monday Night Football

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Dolphins Adjust Roster Steelers Monday Night Football Kickoff

The Miami Dolphins made late roster adjustments ahead of the Dolphins adjust roster Steelers Monday Night Football matchup on Week 15. The changes affected both the offensive line and special teams units as Miami prepared for the nationally televised game at Acrisure Stadium.

As kickoff approached, the Dolphins ruled several key reserves inactive. Consequently, the coaching staff was forced to shuffle personnel against a Pittsburgh team fighting for playoff positioning.

These decisions reflected both health concerns and strategic priorities entering one of Miami’s most important games of the season.

Larry Borom Ruled Out, Kendall Lamm Activated

Miami entered the game without Larry Borom, the team’s top backup offensive tackle. Borom had started 10 games earlier this season while Austin Jackson recovered from a foot injury suffered in Week 1.

However, Borom was unable to suit up for the Monday night contest. As a result, the Dolphins activated Kendall Lamm, who has served as Miami’s primary swing tackle for the past three seasons.

Interestingly, Borom had been active in Miami’s Week 14 win over the New York Jets, while Lamm was inactive. That situation reversed after Borom became ill on Monday, forcing the coaching staff to make a late adjustment.

Offensive Line Depth Tested Against Pittsburgh

The change placed additional pressure on Miami’s offensive line depth. Pittsburgh’s defense entered the game known for its physical pass rush and ability to exploit protection breakdowns.

With Lamm stepping into the rotation, Miami aimed to maintain stability along the edge. Nevertheless, continuity remained a concern, especially in cold-weather conditions that often favor defensive fronts.

Therefore, quarterback protection quickly became a focal point for the Dolphins’ offensive game plan.

Special Teams Impacted by Elijah Campbell’s Absence

Beyond the offensive line, Miami also felt the absence of Elijah Campbell. The reserve safety has been the Dolphins’ top special teams performer for five seasons, serving primarily as a gunner on punt coverage units.

Gunners play a critical role by racing downfield and engaging blockers to prevent long returns. Campbell’s experience has been vital in maintaining discipline and lane integrity.

However, lingering ankle and knee issues limited his participation in recent weeks. Consequently, the Dolphins opted to keep him inactive for the Steelers game.

Recent Special Teams Issues Add Pressure

Campbell’s absence came at a sensitive time for Miami’s special teams unit. In Week 14, the Dolphins surrendered a 78-yard punt return touchdown against the Jets.

On that play, coverage broke down after a missed tackle allowed the returner to break free. It marked only the second special teams touchdown Miami allowed this season, but it highlighted vulnerabilities that Pittsburgh could exploit.

Without Campbell, Miami faced added urgency to tighten execution in punt coverage situations.

Roster Moves Signal Strategic Adjustments

To address depth concerns, Miami activated offensive lineman Kion Smith from the practice squad. Additionally, the Dolphins promoted linebacker Quinton Bell to the 53-man roster.

Bell’s elevation appeared primarily tied to special teams responsibilities. His speed and tackling ability provided immediate help in coverage units, especially with Campbell sidelined.

Meanwhile, Smith’s activation offered additional flexibility along the offensive front should injuries or in-game adjustments arise.

Additional Inactives Shape Miami’s Rotation

Several other Dolphins were ruled inactive for the matchup. Cornerback A.J. Green III, wide receiver Tahj Washington, and defensive tackle Matthew Butler did not dress for the game.

These absences narrowed Miami’s depth at multiple positions. As a result, rotational players faced expanded roles against a physical Steelers roster.

The cumulative impact underscored how thin margins can become late in the NFL season, particularly during high-stakes games.

Quarterback Depth Remains Intact

Despite other changes, Miami maintained its quarterback depth chart. Rookie Quinn Ewers served as the third quarterback for the game.

Under NFL rules, Ewers would only enter if both Tua Tagovailoa and backup Zach Wilson were unable to continue. While unlikely, the designation ensured emergency coverage at the position.

For Miami, protecting Tagovailoa remained paramount given the reshuffled offensive line.

Steelers Present Physical Test

Pittsburgh entered the contest riding momentum after a road win over Baltimore. Their defensive identity centers on pressure, discipline, and situational awareness.

Consequently, Miami’s lineup changes carried added significance. Every protection breakdown or coverage lapse risked swinging momentum in a tightly contested AFC playoff race.

The matchup tested Miami’s adaptability under challenging conditions.

AFC Playoff Implications Loom Large

At 6–7 entering the game, Miami needed consistency to stay competitive in the wild-card hunt. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh sought to strengthen its position atop the AFC North.

Roster decisions, while often overlooked, can shape outcomes in games of this magnitude. Therefore, Miami’s ability to compensate for missing contributors became a defining storyline.

As the season approaches its final weeks, depth and discipline increasingly separate contenders from pretenders.

Conclusion: Depth Put to the Test in Crucial Moment

The Dolphins adjust roster Steelers Monday Night Football storyline illustrated the realities of an NFL season deep into December. Injuries, illnesses, and strategic calls forced Miami to adapt quickly.

While the Dolphins retained core starters, the absence of key reserves placed additional strain on protection schemes and special teams execution. How effectively Miami responded carried direct playoff implications.

For continued updates on NFL roster moves, game analysis, and postseason developments, readers can follow the latest coverage through Pituluik at https://pituluik.com.