Dolphins Cut Ties with Veteran Cornerback Before Preseason Game
The Miami Dolphins made a notable roster move just before their preseason game against the New York Giants on Saturday, Aug. 22, releasing veteran cornerback Nick McCloud. The team announced the transaction on X, stating: "Roster Move | We have released cornerback Nick McCloud."
McCloud had signed with the Dolphins on Aug. 10 after spending the 2025 season with the Chicago Bears, where he started four games and appeared in 15 total contests. Over his five-year career, McCloud has played in 63 games with 20 starts, having previously suited up for the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.
The timing of the release drew attention from analysts. Alain Poupart of Dolphins on SI commented on X: "Dolphins have just announced they've released CB Nick McCloud, and have to say I don't recall the last time a player was released the day of a preseason game." Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports echoed that sentiment, noting that McCloud was cut just hours before a chance to play against the Giants and potentially improve his roster prospects. Crabbs added that the decision raises questions about whether another move is impending.
The Dolphins' secondary has undergone significant changes this offseason. The team lost top cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones Jr. in free agency, while safeties Ashtyn Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick are also no longer on the roster. Poupart previously predicted the cornerback room would consist of Storm Duck, JuJu Brents, Chris Johnson, Jason Marshall Jr., Ethan Bonner, and Marco Wilson, with safeties Dante Trader Jr., Michael Taaffe, Zayne Anderson, and Lonnie Johnson Jr.
Preseason Game Against Giants: Key Takeaways
In the preseason contest at Hard Rock Stadium, the Dolphins fell to the Giants 26-3. Miami held out several key players, including Malik Willis, De'Von Achane, Patrick Paul, Aaron Brewer, Austin Jackson, Malik Washington, Chop Robinson, and Zeek Biggers. Recently injured players Zach Sieler, Jordyn Brooks, JuJu Brents, and Tyrel Dodson also sat out.
The Giants' defense controlled joint practice action two days before the game and again proved physically superior in the matchup, according to the Dolphins' beat coverage.
Running Back Battle and a Fumble
Running back Jaylen Wright lost a fumble in the first quarter, an issue coach Jeff Hafley has emphasized. Wright is competing with Ollie Gordon II for the backup running back spot, and Gordon has also had ball-security problems this summer. Hafley has made clear that fumbling will not be tolerated. Gordon left the game in the first half with an apparent upper-body injury.
Injury Concerns on Defense
Defensive end Trey Moore suffered a lower-body injury that left him unable to put pressure on his left leg. Moore, a versatile player who can rush from the edge or linebacker, has been a standout in camp. His injury could be a significant blow to Miami's defensive plans.
Rookie Receiver Chris Bell Warms Up but Doesn't Play
Rookie receiver Chris Bell went through a full warmup in full uniform before the game, marking the first time he was seen out of a red non-contact jersey. However, Bell, a third-round pick, was not cleared for full contact and did not play. Hafley explained that he wanted Bell to experience the pregame routine, saying, "I thought it was really good for him. The whole routine is different in this league, and I wanted him to feel it, go through it, so if he doesn't get to play in a preseason game, when he does play in a real game, it's not the first time."
Quarterback and Kicker Notes
With Quinn Ewers out due to a groin injury, Cam Miller finished 6-for-11 for 70 yards. Kicker Riley Patterson converted a 53-yard field goal; he was 27-for-29 on field goals last season for Miami.
Snap Count Observations
All 13 of the Dolphins' draft picks except Bell saw action in the loss. Early picks such as Kadyn Proctor, Chris Johnson, Jacob Rodriguez, and Caleb Douglas each played fewer than 10 snaps, while fourth-round pick Trey Moore managed only two snaps before his ankle injury. Hafley wanted rookies to get the feel of a game, but he also kept many front-line players out after they played extensively in the previous preseason contest.
The official gamebook listed a long list of players who sat out, including quarterback Malik Willis, wide receiver Malik Washington, cornerback JuJu Brents, edge rusher Josh Uche, quarterback Quinn Ewers, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, cornerback Darrell Baker Jr., linebacker Tyrel Dodson, running back De'Von Achane, cornerback Storm Duck, edge rusher Chop Robinson, edge rusher Robert Beal Jr., tackle Patrick Paul, center Aaron Brewer, center Jim Bonifas, guard Jonah Savaiinaea, tackle Austin Jackson, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, tackle Kevin Cline, tight end Ben Sims, defensive tackle Zach Sieler, defensive tackle Zeek Biggers, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, and edge rusher Clelin Ferrell.
Veteran wide receivers Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert each played about half of the offensive snaps, suggesting their roster spots are not secure. Theo Wease Jr. and rookie free agent Donaven McCulley each got only three snaps on offense; McCulley also played 10 on special teams. Tackles Caedan Wallace and Josh Priebe played every offensive line snap. Carlos Washington Jr. had 10 offensive snaps, while Donovan Edwards' only snaps came on special teams.
Linebacker Stephen Dix Jr., who joined the team Friday, played 34 defensive snaps. Hafley noted that coaches had to tell Dix the call on every play in the second half, so the defense ran only about two calls. Safety Dante Trader Jr. had 36 defensive snaps plus 10 on special teams. Edge rusher David Ojabo and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. got 36 and 37 defensive snaps, respectively. Major Burns played 34 snaps, more than Louis Moore's 26. Cornerback Jason Marshall Jr., a starter all summer, also played.
Up Next
The Dolphins will finish the preseason against the Atlanta Falcons at home on Friday, Aug. 28.