Dolphins Signed James Ester to Practice Squad
The team added the offensive lineman to the practice squad after reaching an injury settlement.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Football
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The Miami Dolphins have added James Ester to the practice squad following his recent release. The move came as the team also released Clelin Ferrell and Jordan Miller.
Why it matters
The roster move marks another shift for the Dolphins' depth during the 2026 season. Ester, who previously played defensive line at Northern Illinois, is now continuing his transition to the offensive line.
Ester recorded 121 tackles, 9 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles during his five-year career at Northern Illinois. His transition to the offensive line follows his initial stint as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2024.
The players
James Ester
An offensive lineman who recently joined the Miami Dolphins practice squad.
Miami Dolphins
The professional football team based in Miami.
Clelin Ferrell
A professional football player who was released by the Miami Dolphins.
Jordan Miller
A professional football player who was released by the Miami Dolphins.
The details
The Dolphins utilized an open practice squad spot to bring Ester back into the fold. This follows an injury settlement that resulted in his initial release after joining the roster during the 2026 offseason. Ester spent five years in college before starting his professional career.
Timeline
2019-2023: James Ester played at Northern Illinois.
2024: Ester signed with the Green Bay Packers.
2026 offseason: Ester joined the Miami Dolphins roster.
September 28, 2026: The Dolphins released Clelin Ferrell and Jordan Miller.
Beyond the 305
This transaction follows the NFL's standard injury settlement procedure, which allows teams to retain roster flexibility. It mirrors similar moves across the league where teams utilize settlements to manage depth while players recover.
Fans tracking the Dolphins' depth chart should look for how the practice squad evolves during the 2026 season. The roster composition remains subject to ongoing changes as the team adjusts for performance and injuries.
The takeaway
The team continues to shuffle its depth in an effort to stabilize the offensive line. Keep an eye on the official weekly active roster reports to see if Ester transitions from the practice squad to the game-day lineup.
Further reading
Keep up with the latest roster changes on our Miami Football page.
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