Dolphins Sign DT Sylvester Williams
The Dolphins announced the signing of defensive tackle Sylvester Williams on Wednesday morning. They’ve also activated linebacker Mike Hull off injured reserve, giving the front seven a bit of a midseason lift. 
Williams started eleven games and made 15 total appearances for the Titans last year, his first campaign outside of Denver since the Broncos made him a first-round pick in 2014. He was strong against the run in 2017, but he didn’t fare well with the Lions this year. Last week, Detroit cut him loose after trading for Damon Harrison.
At the time of his release, Williams ranked as Pro Football Focus’ No. 78 overall defensive tackle in the league with a subpar score for run defense. He didn’t fill the traditional stat sheet much either with six tackles in six games.
Last season, Williams played on roughly a third of the Titans’ defensive snaps, good for third-most among the club’s defensive linemen. Pro Football Focus gave him high marks against the run and some not-so-great marks for his work on passing downs.
NFL Workout Updates: 10/30/18
Here’s the latest from the workout circuit. All links to veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer’s Twitter account, unless otherwise specified.
Arizona Cardinals
- OT Cornelius Lucas, OT Derek Newton, DT Will Sutton, DT Vincent Valentine
Baltimore Ravens
- LB Ejuan Price
Chicago Bears
- C Luke Bowanko, OG Adam Gettis, LB Lorenzo Mauldin, LB Aaron Wallace
Cleveland Browns
- OG David Bright
- DE Alex Barrett, LB Jonathan Freeny, CB Jalen Myrick, LB Kelvin Sheppard
Green Bay Packers
- T Andrew Nelson, LB Anthony Winbush
Jacksonville Jaguars
- TE Troy Niklas
Miami Dolphins
- DT Joey Mbu, DE Kendall Reyes, DT Sylvester Williams
New Orleans Saints
- DE Robert Ayers, DE Tank Carradine, DE Will Clarke, CB Jeremiah McKinnon, S Obi Melifonwu, DE Ifeadi Odenigbo, CB Marcus Williams
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/30/18
Here are Tuesday’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: DE Vontarrius Dora, OL Kyle Friend
- Released: DE Ufomba Kamalu, K Matt McCrane
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: LB Xavier Woodson-Luster
- Released: LB Brady Sheldon
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: TE Ethan Wolf
Houston Texans
- Signed: WR Steven Mitchell
- Released: WR Cyril Grayson
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: DB Maurice Smith
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: OG Landon Turner
New York Jets
- Signed: CB Juston Burris
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: OT Jamar McGloster
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: TE Tyrone Swoopes
- Released: OL JJ Dielman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: RB Dare Ogunbowale
Dolphins Place DT Vincent Taylor On IR
Vincent Taylor is out for the foreseeable future. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the Dolphins have placed the defensive tackle on the injured reserve.
The 24-year-old was carted off the field with a foot injury during Thursday’s loss to the Texans, and the ailment will presumably keep him off the field for the rest of the season. The Dolphins have already designated offensive lineman Jake Brendel and linebacker Mike Hull to return from the IR, so Taylor’s only hope of playing again this season is an injury settlement (and a contract from another team).
The 2017 sixth-round pick had emerged as one of Miami’s most reliable defensive linemen this season, compiling 27 tackles and a pair of sacks in eight games off the bench. Pro Football Focus was particularly fond of his performance this season, ranking him 24th among 109 interior defenders.
The Dolphins have already added some reinforcement at the position, as they signed Ziggy Hood earlier today. The former Redskins starter should have a chance to contribute right away for Miami, as he’ll join starters Davon Godchaux and Akeem Spence as the only healthy defensive tackles on the active roster.
Dolphins To Sign DT Ziggy Hood
The Dolphins have signed defensive tackle Ziggy Hood, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (on Twitter). Hood auditioned for the Dolphins on Tuesday morning and it did not take long for a deal to come together.
Hood, a one-time starter for the Redskins, profiles as a reserve for the Dolphins. Davon Godchaux and Akeem Spence start in the middle for the Dolphins, but Hood will be one of two true reserve defensive tackles for Miami. Incumbent backup Vincent Taylor has played well in the first half of the year, so it will be interesting to see how Hood’s arrival affects his usage.
The Dolphins, with Hood in tow, will face the Jets on Sunday.
Dolphins Meet With Ziggy Hood
Ziggy Hood will visit with and work out for the Dolphins on Tuesday, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Hood started for the Redskins in 2016 and 2017, but was released by the team earlier this month. 
Hood was in a reserve role for Washington this year and recorded just three tackles in his four games. Before that, however, Hood spent two years as the club’s primary nose tackle. The advanced metrics have not been fond of his work in recent years, but Hood offers experience and a first-round pedigree.
The Dolphins’ defensive line has taken some hits this year, including William Hayes‘ season ending ACL tear and Charles Harris‘ ongoing calf injury. Hood doesn’t profile as a starter for Miami, but he could offer some depth heading into the team’s intra-divisional matchup with the Jets on Sunday.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/29/18
Here are Monday’s minor moves:
Miami Dolphins
- Waived: DT Jamiyus Pittman, S Maurice Smith
Seattle Seahawks
- Placed on reserve/left squad list: S T.J. Green
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: FB Jalston Fowler
- Waived: LB Robert Spillane
Washington Redskins
- Placed on IR: S Troy Apke
Dolphins Not Inclined To Trade DeVante Parker
The Dolphins are not inclined to trade wide receiver DeVante Parker unless they receive “serious, serious compensation,” tweets Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, who adds Parker is now on a “better footing” in South Beach given the Dolphins’ rash of injuries at wideout. Miami had reportedly been seeking a third-round pick for Parker, whose agent recently lashed out at head coach Adam Gase, going as far as telling Gase to “make himself inactive” instead of altering Parker’s gameday status. Parker started Thursday night against the Texans after the Dolphins lost several pass-catchers, including Albert Wilson (who’s done for the year) and Kenny Stills (who could return in Week 9, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com).
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/24/18
Here are Wednesday’s minor moves:
Houston Texans
- Released from IR via injury settlement: LB Tyrell Adams
Miami Dolphins
- Promoted from practice squad: WR Leonte Carroo
Philadelphia Eagles
- Released from IR via injury settlement: DT Destiny Vaeao
Ryan Tannehill Out Again
As expected, Ryan Tannehill is out again this week. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the Dolphins quarterback will sit out Thursday’s game against the Texans. Brock Osweiler will once again slide into the starting lineup.