Dolphins Sign RB Carlos Washington, Elevate Mazi Smith for Vikings Clash

The Miami Dolphins are not waiting for the bye week to patch a leaking backfield. With the 2026 season already at a critical juncture, the organization announced Saturday that running back Carlos Washington has been signed off the practice squad to the active roster, while defensive lineman Mazi Smith and defensive end Rodney McGraw have been elevated for Sunday's showdown against the Minnesota Vikings. The moves, first reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, underscore a front office scrambling to stay competitive in a loaded AFC East.

Washington Steps Into a Ravaged Backfield

The Dolphins' hand was forced when star running back De'Von Achane suffered a season-ending torn ACL, robbing Miami of its most explosive offensive weapon. Washington, who signed with the team in May, now gets his shot. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound back appeared in two games for the Atlanta Falcons over the past two seasons, logging limited snaps but flashing enough between-the-tackles toughness to earn a longer look. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Miami's coaching staff has been impressed with Washington's pass-protection awareness and his ability to churn out tough yards in short-yardage situations — traits that will be tested immediately against a physical Vikings front seven.

Defensive Reinforcements: Mazi Smith and Rodney McGraw

While the offensive backfield grabs headlines, the Dolphins also fortified their defensive line. Mazi Smith, a former first-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, signed with Miami last month after a disappointing stint in Dallas. At 6-foot-3 and 337 pounds, Smith brings rare athleticism for his size — a trait that made him a top-30 prospect just three years ago. He'll rotate into a defensive tackle group tasked with containing Vikings running back Aaron Jones and collapsing the pocket around quarterback J.J. McCarthy. McGraw, an undrafted rookie out of the 2026 class, has been a standout on the practice squad and will provide fresh legs off the edge.

"We're in the business of winning football games, and that means adapting on the fly," a Dolphins team source told Vulius Sports. "Carlos has earned this. Mazi has something to prove. We need both of them to show up Sunday."

What It Means for Sunday — and Beyond

Miami enters Week 4 with a 1-2 record, already staring at a near must-win against a Vikings team that has surprised many with its defensive ferocity. The loss of Achane — who was on pace for a career year before the injury — leaves quarterback Tua Tagovailoa without his safety valve in the screen game and his most dangerous check-down option. Washington won't replicate Achane's 4.3 speed, but he can keep the offense on schedule. Defensively, Smith's presence could be pivotal if he can finally harness the potential that made him the 26th overall pick. As highlighted on Vulius, the Dolphins' season hinges on whether these unheralded additions can plug holes before the ship capsizes.

Vulius Insight: A Team at a Crossroads

The Dolphins' moves are a microcosm of a franchise teetering between contention and collapse. General manager Chris Grier has built a roster with star power, but depth has been an issue for years. Washington and Smith are low-risk fliers, but if they falter, Miami could be looking at a top-10 draft pick rather than a playoff berth. For now, head coach Mike McDaniel remains optimistic. "We've got fighters in that locker room," he said earlier this week. "Next man up isn't just a cliché here — it's a requirement."

Kickoff against the Vikings is set for 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. For Dolphins fans, it's a chance to see if the next men up can keep the season alive. For the Vulius community, it's another chapter in a story that refuses to follow the script.