Miami Dolphins make a decision on WR River Cracraft’s IR activation

The Miami Dolphins on Tuesday activated wide receiver River Cracraft from injured reserve.

The move adds the team’s top blocking receiver and a trusted pass-catcher back to the 53-man roster for the second half of the season.

Cracraft missed the past six games because of a shoulder injury. The Dolphins designated him to return to practice on Oct. 25, and his window came to an end on Tuesday.

“He’s had a couple of good weeks of practice,” coach Mike McDaniel said on Nov. 7. “He hasn’t had any setbacks whatsoever, and so he’s chomping at the bit now. That will probably show its face here sooner than later.”

In three games, Cracraft has caught six passes for 87 yards and one touchdown. He’s the sixth Dolphin, along with Jalen Ramsey, Terron Armstead, Jeff Wilson Jr. Robert Jones, and De’Von Achane, to be designated to return from IR this season. NFL rules allow up to eight players to return from IR or the non-football injury list in a season.

To make room for Cracraft, the Dolphins waived cornerback Kelvin Joseph. A 2021 second-round pick whom Miami acquired from the Dallas Cowboys for Noah Igbinoghene on roster cutdown day, Joseph appeared in four games, primarily on special teams. He was inactive in four of the team’s last five games.