The New England Patriots found a hidden gem in the Miami Dolphins’ recent roster cuts. According to the NFL’s official transaction log, the team added wide receiver Ryan Miller to the practice squad on Monday.
This move solves an immediate problem for New England. The team had to place Romeo Doubs on injured reserve after a shoulder injury during the 26-19 win over the New York Jets on Sunday. Losing Doubs leaves a gap in the receiving corps that Miller might fill.
Explosive potential in the practice squad
Miller isn’t just a depth piece; he has shown he can score big. During his time with Miami, he caught a 77-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Malik Willis against the San Francisco 49ers on September 20, per Heavy.com. That single play accounted for a huge chunk of his production. He finished his five games with Miami with three catches for 92 yards and one touchdown.
He brings more than just one big play to the building. Before his time in Miami, Miller played three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 11 games during the 2024 season, he tallied 12 catches, 128 yards, and two touchdowns. He also had a productive 2025 season with two catches for 34 yards and a touchdown.
Experience from a different path
Miller’s journey to the NFL was not a standard one. He played his college football at Furman, a school better known for basketball. The Patriots’ official announcement states he has played in 30 career games, starting six of them.
Former Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles once praised the receiver’s skill set. The Buccaneers’ official website quoted Bowles as saying, “Ryan is smart, he’s reliable, he’s tough.”
The Patriots now have a veteran presence on the practice squad. While players like A.J. Brown, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III are active, Miller provides essential cover. He enters a group that already includes practice squad players Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner, and Chandler Brayboy.
