Dolphins activate RB Jeff Wilson Jr. to 53-man roster, paving way for season debut

The Dolphins on Saturday activated running back Jeff Wilson Jr. to the 53-man roster, paving the way for him to make his season debut against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.

Wilson missed the first six games of the season on injured reserve with a ribs and finger injury but was designated to return to practice on Oct. 11.

With rookie running back Chris Brooks placed on IR on Friday, joining fellow rookie back De’Von Achane, Wilson fills Miami’s open roster spot. He joins Raheem Mostert and Salvon Ahmed as backfield options for the Dolphins, who lead the NFL in rushing yards.

Offensive coordinator Frank Smith said last week that Wilson looked like he was ready to play in a game. But Miami had to use its vacant roster spot at the time on offensive lineman Robert Jones, who was also returning from IR.

“It comes down to the end of the week, where we’re at with guys and what we need for the active roster for Sunday,” coach Mike McDaniel said Friday of the factors that go into activating Wilson. “But ultimately, when guys are ready to go and they’ve exhibited what is necessary for Sunday, then it just comes down to what are our needs as far as depth throughout the complete roster. It’s never just as easy as cut-and-dry as, ‘OK, he’s ready to go, so here.’ You have to balance and weigh the entire group and what’s necessary for the game.”

Wilson, whom the Dolphins acquired from the San Francisco 49ers on last year’s trade deadline day, ran for 392 yards and three touchdowns in eight games with Miami in 2022, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

The Dolphins also elevated tight end Tanner Conner from the practice squad and downgraded cornerback Nik Needham (Achilles) to out.

It’s the second of three allotted elevations for Conner, who made his season debut against the Carolina Panthers last weekend. Conner played 10 offensive snaps and 13 snaps on special teams.

The decision not to activate Needham from the reserve/physically-unable-to-perform means Miami will have to decide by next Tuesday whether to place him on the active roster or keep him on the PUP list for the remainder of the season.

Needham has not played since tearing his Achilles on Oct. 16.