The Miami Dolphins made a slick move this Tuesday, September 29, 2026, snatching up inside linebacker Shaka Heyward right off the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad. This isn’t just a quiet roster shuffle, folks. When a team dips into another’s practice squad, especially this deep into the regular season, it signals they see something special, a piece they need right now.
Shaka Heyward Is No Practice Squad Lifer
Let’s talk about Shaka Heyward for a second. This isn’t some fresh-faced rookie. He’s been grinding in the league for a bit, putting in work over two seasons with Cincinnati in 2024 and 2025. Think about that: 18 career games under his belt already. Sure, he wasn’t a full-time starter, but he was getting snaps, proving he could contribute. The dude entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent back in 2025 with the Bengals. You know what that means, right? He earned his spot, he fought for it, and every tackle, every play he made, was pure grit. That kind of hunger doesn’t just disappear.
And when he was on the field, Heyward showed up. On defense, he’s tallied eight tackles, including one tackle for loss. That’s a solid hit rate for limited snaps. But here’s where he really shines and why the Dolphins were probably watching: special teams. Heyward added a whopping 14 tackles and even forced a fumble in his special teams efforts. Fourteen tackles on special teams? That’s a guy who flies down the field on kickoffs and punts, a true hustle player who can swing momentum with a single play. Cincinnati is definitely going to feel the void left by that kind of effort.
Miami’s Smart Adds: Depth Where It Counts
So, what does this mean for both sides? For the Bengals, losing a guy like Heyward, even from the practice squad, stings. You don’t just replace that kind of special teams production and defensive depth overnight. Miami, on the other hand, just got themselves a versatile, hard-nosed player who knows how to make an impact without being flashy. They are clearly looking to beef up their roster, adding guys who can contribute immediately, especially with that special teams background. Every team needs those unheralded heroes, and Heyward fits that mold perfectly.
The Dolphins weren’t done there, either. They also announced the signing of offensive guard James Ester to their practice squad. Ester’s another undrafted talent, coming into the NFL in 2024 with Green Bay. He spent two seasons, 2024 and 2025, on the Packers’ practice squad before Miami claimed him off waivers on May 14. This move just doubles down on the Dolphins’ strategy to find value in overlooked players and build depth from the ground up.
These aren’t blockbuster trades, but they are crucial roster moves in the middle of the NFL season. Keep an eye on Heyward. An undrafted player with his special teams numbers getting a call-up is always a story worth watching. He’s got a real chance to make some noise for the Dolphins, and you can bet the Bengals are already wondering if they should’ve held on tighter.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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