The Miami Dolphins made a pair of roster moves on Saturday, ending the season of wide receiver Rishard Matthews before the team's Week 17 contest against the New England Patriots and promoting linebacker Mike Hull off the practice squad. Sunday's game will officially end the Dolphins' 2015 season and send them into a coaching search while the Patriots once again head into the Playoffs.
Matthews started 11 games for the Dolphins this year before a ribs injury forced him to miss the last four games after being hurt early in the team's game against the New York Jets. He finished the year with 43 receptions for 662 yards and four touchdowns, ascending the depth chart throughout the year. During the offseason, Matthews asked the team to trade him, frustrated by the team's acquisition of multiple receivers including trading for Kenny Stills, signing Greg Jennings in free agency, and drafting DeVante Parker. Once the season started, however, Matthews became one of the top two targets for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, providing a good young tandem with Jarvis Landry.
The Dolphins filled Matthews' roster spot with linebacker Mike Hull. The undrafted free agent started the season on Miami's practice squad before being promoted to the 53-man roster in November and appeared in two games for the team. He was then waived and placed back on the practice squad, where he has spent the last five weeks. He has one tackle this season.