Dolphins promote Jonathan Dowling off practice squad

The Miami Dolphins announced the signing of safety Jonathan Dowling today, promoting him from the team's practice squad to the main 53-man roster. Dowling was originally signed to Miami's practice squad in early September. Miami released running back/kick returner Raheem Mostert on Tuesday, which opened the roster space Dowling filled.

Dowling was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played in seven games for the Raiders as a rookie, recording four tackles. The team waived him before their third preseason game this year, with a report indicating it may have been "maturity" issues that led to his release, rather than anything he did on the field. According to Raiders beat writer Vic Tafur, Dowling had "a series of small incidents built up to where the coaches decided to move on; the personalities were a bad fit." He does not specify what the "small incidents" were.

The Dolphins signed Dowling on September 9. No reports of any off-field incidents have been made.

Mostert originally joined the Dolphins in mid-September, signing with the club off the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. He made an appearance for the Dolphins against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, returning two kicks for a 28.5 yard return average. He was inactive in Weeks 3 and 4.

Mostert signed with the Baltimore Ravens today.