Caleb Johnson Elevated to Active Roster by the Miami Dolphins

As the Miami Dolphins push for a top seed in the AFC playoffs, roster depth has become a critical priority—and their latest move reflects that focus. On Tuesday, the Dolphins announced they had elevated running back Caleb Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster, a promotion that comes amid injuries to key members of their backfield. Johnson, an undrafted rookie who signed with Miami in May 2024, has spent the entire season on the practice squad, waiting for an opportunity to contribute. Now, with the Dolphins in the thick of a playoff race, that opportunity has arrived. Caleb Johnson Elevated to Active Roster by the Miami Dolphins explores Johnson’s journey to the active roster, the factors that led to his promotion, and how he might fit into the Dolphins’ offense down the stretch.

Caleb Johnson Elevated to Active Roster by the Miami Dolphins begins with Johnson’s background and his path to the Dolphins’ practice squad. A product of the University of Central Florida, Johnson was a standout running back for the Knights, rushing for 1,203 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior season (2023). Known for his combination of speed (4.48 40-yard dash) and power (215-pound frame), Johnson caught the attention of NFL scouts but went undrafted due to concerns about his pass-blocking ability and limited receiving production. The Dolphins signed him to a reserve/future contract in May, seeing potential in his physical tools. During training camp and preseason, Johnson impressed coaches with his work ethic and improvement, rushing for 128 yards and one touchdown in four preseason games. Though he didn’t make the initial 53-man roster, the Dolphins kept him on the practice squad, where he continued to develop. “Caleb has been a model practice squad player,” Dolphins running backs coach Eric Studesville said in August. “He shows up every day ready to work, asks good questions, and applies what he learns. He’s been waiting for his chance, and he’s prepared for it.”

A key factor in Johnson’s elevation to the active roster is the Dolphins’ recent injuries at running back, which have created a need for depth. Starter Raheem Mostert, who leads the team with 1,023 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, suffered a mild hamstring strain in the Dolphins’ Week 15 win over the New York Jets and was listed as questionable for Week 16. Backup De’Von Achane, a dynamic playmaker who has rushed for 642 yards and five touchdowns, is also dealing with a shoulder injury that limited his snaps against the Jets. With Mostert and Achane banged up, the Dolphins needed a reliable third option to avoid overworking their top two backs. “Injuries are part of the game, especially this late in the season,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said. “We need to have guys ready to step in, and Caleb has proven he’s prepared. He’s been studying the playbook, practicing with the first team when guys are out, and he knows our system well.” Johnson’s elevation isn’t just a short-term fix, either: the Dolphins have an open spot on the active roster after waiving backup offensive lineman Robert Jones, giving Johnson a chance to stay on the roster for the remainder of the season if he performs well.

A critical aspect of Caleb Johnson Elevated to Active Roster by the Miami Dolphins is how Johnson fits into the Dolphins’ offensive scheme—and what it means for the current Miami Dolphins team. McDaniel’s offense is built around speed, misdirection, and versatile playmakers, and Johnson’s skill set aligns well with those principles. Though he’s not as fast as Achane or as experienced as Mostert, Johnson has shown he can run between the tackles effectively and catch passes out of the backfield (he caught 18 passes for 156 yards in college). The Dolphins plan to use him in short-yardage situations and as a change-of-pace back, spelling Mostert and Achane to keep them fresh for the playoffs. “Caleb gives us a different look,” McDaniel explained. “He’s a bigger back who can move the chains in short-yardage, but he also has the speed to get to the edge. That versatility is valuable for us, especially when we’re managing injuries.” For the Miami Dolphins, Johnson’s elevation is also a testament to their player development system: the team has a history of finding undrafted gems (like Achane, who was a third-round pick but exceeded expectations) and turning them into contributors. If Johnson can make an impact, it will further validate that approach.

Another important angle of Caleb Johnson Elevated to Active Roster by the Miami Dolphins is Johnson’s mindset and his preparation for this opportunity. In interviews, Johnson has spoken about staying ready while on the practice squad, including studying film with Mostert and Achane, working on his pass-blocking with offensive linemen, and even simulating game situations in practice. “I never let myself get complacent,” Johnson said after the promotion was announced. “Every day, I treated practice like it was a game, because I knew my chance could come at any time. The coaches and veterans have helped me so much—Raheem and De’Von have given me tips on reading defenses and making quick decisions, and that’s made me a better player.” Johnson’s teammates have also praised his work ethic. “Caleb’s one of those guys who’s always in the weight room or the film room,” Mostert said. “He deserves this chance, and I know he’ll make the most of it. We’re all excited to have him on the active roster.” For the Miami Dolphins, Johnson’s attitude is just as important as his talent: in the playoffs, teams need players who are ready to contribute at a moment’s notice, and Johnson’s preparation suggests he won’t shy away from the challenge.

Wrapping up Caleb Johnson Elevated to Active Roster by the Miami Dolphins is the potential impact of Johnson’s promotion on the Dolphins’ playoff hopes—and his future in the NFL. The Dolphins currently hold the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 12-3 record, and they’re in contention for the top seed. Having a healthy and deep running back room will be crucial in the playoffs, where teams often rely on the run game to control the clock and keep opposing offenses off the field. If Johnson can contribute even in a limited role, it will take pressure off Mostert and Achane and make the Dolphins’ offense more unpredictable. “Every player on the roster matters in the playoffs,” McDaniel said. “We don’t know when we’ll need Caleb, but we know he’s ready. That’s the kind of depth that wins championships.” For Johnson, this promotion is a chance to prove he belongs in the NFL. If he performs well, he could earn a spot on the Dolphins’ 53-man roster next season or attract interest from other teams. Caleb Johnson Elevated to Active Roster by the Miami Dolphins isn’t just a story about a roster move—it’s a story about hard work, preparation, and seizing opportunity, and it’s a reminder of why teams invest in developing young players even when they’re not on the active roster.