Dolphins Elevate Gonzalez and Llewellyn for Sunday
Gonzalez returns to kicking duty as Llewellyn makes his way onto the active roster for Sunday's game.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
Miami Dolphins fans will see two new faces on the sideline Sunday as kicker Zane Gonzalez and edge rusher Max Llewellyn are elevated to the active roster. The move comes as the team releases kicker Riley Patterson.
Why it matters
For Dolphins fans across Miami-Dade, the kicking spot is a live question with the team's season in full swing. Gonzalez's return to the active roster gives the team a veteran option after his earlier injury settlement and practice squad stint.
Gonzalez hit 19 of 22 field goals and 17 of 18 extra points in nine games for Atlanta last season, and went 4-for-4 on extra points against the Jets. Llewellyn has appeared in two games for Miami this season after being drafted in the seventh round out of Iowa.
The players
Zane Gonzalez
Veteran kicker elevated to the Dolphins' active roster after signing with the practice squad in October.
Max Llewellyn
Seventh-round edge rusher from Iowa who has appeared in two games for the Dolphins this season.
Riley Patterson
Kicker released by the Dolphins as Gonzalez is elevated.
The details
The Dolphins elevated Zane Gonzalez and Max Llewellyn to the active roster for Sunday's game, while releasing kicker Riley Patterson. Gonzalez, 31, signed with the practice squad on October 20 and kicked in last week's win over the Jets, after being released with an injury settlement on August 19 following time on injured reserve. Llewellyn made his NFL debut in Week 2 against the 49ers and appeared in Sunday's victory over the Jets.
Timeline
August 19: Gonzalez released with an injury settlement.
October 20: Gonzalez signs with the Dolphins practice squad.
Week 2: Llewellyn makes his NFL debut against the 49ers.
Last week: Gonzalez kicks in the Dolphins' win over the Jets.
Sunday: Gonzalez and Llewellyn elevated to the active roster for the game.
Beyond the 305
The Dolphins are using the NFL's practice squad elevation rule, which lets teams add players to the active roster for a single game without a permanent commitment. Gonzalez's return follows his August injury settlement, and Llewellyn's seventh-round path from Iowa shows how depth players reach the field.
Dolphins fans will see Gonzalez back in the kicking role and Llewellyn on the field Sunday as the team manages its depth. Watch the Dolphins' official roster updates for any changes after the game.
The takeaway
Kicking depth can change quickly during the season, so keep an eye on the Dolphins' roster moves in the coming weeks. Watch whether Gonzalez and Llewellyn stay on the active roster after Sunday's game.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see our Football coverage.
