Dolphins LB Trey Moore To Miss Time

Dolphins rookie linebacker Trey Moore is expected to miss time with an ankle injury suffered in Saturday’s preseason loss to the Giants.

“I don’t see him back being soon,” head coach Jeff Hafley said on Monday (via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald). “I’m not sure how long it will be. We will determine that after all the testing gets done.”

Moore, 23, had emerged as a potential starting linebacker in Hafley’s new-look defense this summer. The fourth-round pick primarily lined up off the edge in college, but took on significantly more work in the box last year at Texas. That could have led to a hybrid role as a SAM linebacker in Hafley’s 4-3 scheme, though the NFL’s increased reliance on nickel and dime defensive packages would likely force him to clarify his position to see regular playing time sooner rather than later.

Now, Moore’s NFL regular-season debut will be delayed indefinitely. Miami’s leading candidates to start alongside reigning All-Pro Jordyn Brooks are now veterans Willie Gay and Tyrel Dodson and rookies Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis.

The Dolphins quickly signed linebacker Jaheim Thomas to add depth to the room following Moore’s injury, per a team announcement. Thomas beat out former Chargers first-round pick Kenneth Murray, who played for the Cowboys last year, for the roster spot, according to KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson.

Miami also signed undrafted rookie tight end Ethan Conner on Monday. To make room on the roster for him and Thomas, the team waived center Jim Bonifas and cornerback Ahmari Harvey.