Dolphins release Riley Patterson, bring Zane Gonzalez back on practice squad

The Miami Dolphins released kicker Riley Patterson and signed Zane Gonzalez to their practice squad on October 20, the Associated Press reported. The change came as Miami assessed a special teams unit that had struggled, and brings back a kicker who competed with Patterson during training camp.

Patterson had made seven of nine field goal attempts and five of six extra points this season, according to AP. The report placed the roster changes in the context of Miami’s effort to improve special teams, but did not identify Patterson’s individual results as the sole reason for his release.

How Miami’s kicking competition led to this move

Gonzalez spent part of Miami’s training camp with the team before it released him in August with an injury settlement, AP reported. His career record stands at 115 field goals made in 142 attempts, including 18 in 28 attempts from at least 50 yards. His new agreement puts him on the practice squad, rather than the active roster.

Special teams struggles and other roster changes

Miami allowed an 81 yard return on the opening kickoff against Cincinnati in Week 5, according to AP. Coach Jeff Hafley pointed to a lack of execution in discussing the unit’s struggles. Before the Dolphins’ Week 6 bye, he said the team would evaluate all units and consider changes where needed.

Hafley said Miami counted on its veterans to perform across its kicking and return assignments. ‘Whether it's in the punt game, whether it's making our PATs and our extra points, whether it's kicking the ball,’ the coach said, the team expected those players to do their jobs at a high level. His remarks preceded Tuesday’s roster moves.

The Dolphins also waived cornerback Storm Duck and edge Andre Jones Jr. and signed edge Rodney McGraw off the practice squad, AP reported. Those moves changed personnel beyond the kicking position as Miami came out of its bye week.