Dolphins add offensive lineman from Browns practice squad

The Miami Dolphins have made a roster move, the team announced on Tuesday, adding former Cleveland Browns practice squad member Zach Sterup to the 53-man roster. Sterup, a 6-foot-9, 318-pound offensive tackle, originally joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent signed by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. He spent time with the Chiefs, New York Jets, and the Browns during his rookie season, primarily as a member of each team’s practice squad. He was with the Browns throughout the offseason and training camp this year, before being moved to the practice squad at the start of the season.

During last Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders, Miami starting right tackle Ja’Wuan James was forced from the game with a hamstring issue. He is considered “week-to-week” in his ability to return, but the addition of Sterup could signal Miami’s fears that he will not be available for this week’s Monday Night Football matchup with the Carolina Panthers.

If James is unable to play, Jesse Davis, who has been starting at left guard, or Sam Young would likely move into the starting right tackle position. Davis could be availble for the move if veteran guard Ted Larsen, who was activated off the injured reserve list last week, is ready to assume his role as the starting left guard.

Sterup played at the University of Nebraska, where he started 17 games primarily as a right tackle.