Breaking: Dolphins place Julius Thomas on IR

The Miami Dolphins have decided to place tight-end Julius Thomas on season ending IR. It’s good news for fans who have grown tired of his play.

Miami made Thomas a big priority this off-season trading a seventh round draft pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for Adam Gase’s former Denver tight-end. Since joining the team, Thomas has been somewhat of a joke to Dolphins fans.

inconsistent and nowhere near the red-zone threat that he once was, Thomas has made some spectacular catches in his shortened season with the Dolphins but also has been tackled quite often by the blades of grass at Hard Rock Stadium and other NFL arenas. That of course is a joke as it seems that Thomas has gone down on his own quite often.

In addition to Thomas, the Dolphins have placed Jermon Bushrod on the IR as well. Bushrod has not been able to get healthy for the last few weeks. To replace them, the Dolphins have promoted Thomas Duarte and activated Eric Smith off of the IR. Smith will provide needed depth at tackle.

The move to put both players on IR will likely end their time with the Dolphins. Bushrod almost retired ahead of the 2017 season but opted to return to help a depleted Oline. He has played average at best this season as he has battled nagging injuries. Thomas was projected to be released after the 2017 season.

Under contract for the 2018 season, Thomas’ salary would cost the Dolphins $6.6 million in cap space. All of which can be recovered by his release. Thomas struggled in Jacksonville after signing with them as a free agent two seasons ago. Miami thought they could resurrect his career under Gase but despite a few nice catches he was never able to become the player he once was.

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His performance this season had many fans screaming for him to be benched or outright released. The addition of the two former starters who both have foot issues, increased the whose who of the Dolphins injured reserve list bringing the total to eight potential starters.

The Dolphins have been killed with injuries this year. Starting with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the Dolphins have lost Koa Misi and Raekwon McMillan from the linebacker group, CB Tony Lippett and safety Nate Allen, offensive lineman Anthony Steen and defensive end William Hayes.

It’s never good to see any player, even those who are not favorites of the fan base, to go on IR. In this case it should provide the Dolphins a couple of games to evaluate Duarte and hopefully A.J. Derby a waiver claim pick-up they made a few weeks back after his release from the Broncos.

Thomas finishes the season and possibly his career in Miami with 41 receptions for 388 yards and four touchdowns. He also had one fumble.