The Miami Dolphins have released offensive tackle Ryan Hayes from their injured reserve list following an injury settlement reached on Thursday. Hayes, who was a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was initially waived with an injury designation in late August. After going unclaimed on waivers, he was placed on injured reserve the following day.
Hayes, who suffered a foot injury, was expected to miss the entire 2024 season due to this setback. The settlement between Hayes and the Dolphins now permits him to sign with another team once he has fully recovered from his injury. This arrangement provides Hayes with an opportunity to continue his career in the NFL, despite his current inability to contribute to the Dolphins.
During the 2023 season, Hayes was part of the Dolphins’ practice squad. His time with the team was spent developing his skills and preparing for a future opportunity to contribute to the active roster. The decision to place him on injured reserve was a necessary move given his injury, but the settlement allows for a more flexible path forward.
The settlement essentially ends Hayes’ current contract with the Dolphins, freeing him to pursue opportunities with other teams. This is particularly important for Hayes, who was unable to demonstrate his capabilities on the field in a regular-season game due to his injury. The hope is that, with adequate recovery and rehabilitation, Hayes will be able to showcase his skills to potential new teams.
In the NFL, injury settlements are a common procedure that allows players to move on from their current team if they are not able to play due to injury. For Hayes, this means he will need to focus on his rehabilitation to return to full health. Once he is cleared, he will be eligible to sign with another team and potentially earn a spot on a new roster.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, will continue to adjust their roster as needed, managing injuries and performance issues throughout the season. The release of Hayes with an injury settlement is a part of this ongoing roster management strategy. For Hayes, the next step is recovery and readiness for when the opportunity arises to join another team and resume his professional football career.