Jay Ajayi eligible for activation off short-term IR

The Miami Dolphins placed running back Jay Ajayi on the Reserve/Injured (Designated for Return) list on September 6, using the move to make roster space for quarterback Logan Thomas, who the team claimed off waivers. Ajayi broke a rib during the Dolphins' fourth preseason game, and, while there were plenty of expectations for Ajayi this season, especially after a strong preseason performance, the team determined putting him on the "short term IR" list made sense.

The short term IR designation sidelined Ajayi for the start of the season, with him only able to return to the team for practice starting after the team's Week 6 game. Now that the team has played seven games (and Week 8 is concluded), the Dolphins can choose to activate Ajayi, adding him to the 53-man roster.

Miami would have to make a corresponding roster move to make space for Ajayi.

A fifth round pick of the Dolphins this year, Ajayi was highly touted coming out of college, but concerns about a knee injury, and the lack of cartilage in the knee, led to him to fall back into the fifth round. As a junior at Boise State, Ajayi wan for 1,823 yards on 347 carries with 28 touchdowns. He recorded 3,796 yard on 678 carries, a 5.6 yards per attempt average, with 50 touchdowns in three years at Boise State.

The Dolphins do not have to activate Ajayi this week if they feel he is not yet ready to make his NFL debut. They have until Saturday to activate Ajayi if they want him to play this weekend against the Buffalo Bills.