The Miami Dolphins have waived former 3rd-round cornerback Cordrea Tankersley for the second time this season; although this time Tankersley’s release comes off the practice squad as the Dolphins embrace a newcomer to the fray at the wide receiver position.
Miami, amid an injury to DB Jamal Perry this past week, elected to elevate CB Tae Hayes from the practice squad to be active against the Rams, further highlighting the divide between Tankersley and his readiness to play for Miami — so his termination is an understandable move in a football sense for the Dolphins. Taking his place on the practice squad? Previously suspended wide receiver Antonio Callaway, formerly of the Cleveland Browns.
CB Cordrea Tankersley's second stint with the Dolphins ended quietly today with his release from the practice squad. Dolphins p-squad WR Antonio Callaway's NFL suspension ended in the past day and he can begin practicing this week.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) November 2, 2020
Callaway was a highly gifted speedster at the University of Florida but off the field issues ultimately caused a drop his NFL Draft stock upon his entry to the pros. And in the years that have passed since, Callaway has made more negative impacts off the field than he’s made positive contributions on it. But as a practice squad player, Miami can embrace a low-risk opportunity for him to prove himself a capable NFL receiver.
Whether or not he gets the chance to do so on Sundays is at the discretion of Brian Flores, who may look to mix Callaway into the active receivers given that the team has done some musical chairs with that room to this point in the season. Rookie Malcolm Perry made his NFL debut this past Sunday against the Rams, taking on the role we’ve seen given to fellow rookie WR Lynn Bowden Jr. in past weeks. Callaway is more of direct competition for Jakeem Grant’s receiving reps, as they’re somewhat similar players: fast but with questionable hands and capable of working and winning vertical.
And with the offense looking for some chemistry amid the quarterback change, it may be in Miami’s best interests to give Callaway a shot. His first chance will come this Sunday against the Cardinals in Week 9.
