Dolphins sign linebacker off Bengals' practice squad

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Dolphins sign linebacker off Bengals' practice squad

Dave Clark, Cincinnati Enquirer · The Enquirer

Tue, Sep 29, 2026 ·

1 min read

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The Miami Dolphins signed linebacker Shaka Heyward off of the Cincinnati Bengals ' practice squad, per a team announcement .

The Bengals and Dolphins are scheduled to meet in NFL Week 5 in Miami, on Oct. 11.

The Bengals added Heyward to their practice squad after finalizing their 53-man roster in advance of the regular season.

NFL Network analyst Adam Rank was among those accusing Heyward of a "hip-drop tackle " of Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland during their preseason game August 22 at Paycor Stadium.

Fans take their seats ahead of a NFL Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
(Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (2) kicks during warmups ahead of a NFL Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
(Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) throws during warmups ahead of a NFL Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
(Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during warmups ahead of a NFL Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
(Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer)

Fans cheer as the Cincinnati Bengals take the field ahead of a NFL Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
(Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer)

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II during warmups ahead of a NFL Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
(Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer)

Heyward, considered a special-teams ace, played in 12 games for the Bengals in 2025, his second season with the team. Heyward missed several weeks because of a hairline fracture of the left fibula he suffered during the team's Week 8 loss to the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Shaka Heyward (50) stands during Cincinnati Bengals Practice in Cincinnati on Aug. 21, 2025.

In October 2025, the Bengals announced they placed Heyward on the reserve/injured list.

The Bengals signed Heyward as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft.

Heyward, a former Duke University standout, played in six games during the 2024 season. He had a forced fumble and six combined tackles.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Dolphins sign linebacker off Bengals' practice squad

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Dolphins sign linebacker off Bengals' practice squad

Cincinnati Bengals take on Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. See photos

Cincinnati Bengals take on Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. See photos

Cincinnati Bengals take on Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. See photos

Cincinnati Bengals take on Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. See photos

Cincinnati Bengals take on Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. See photos

Cincinnati Bengals take on Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. See photos

Cincinnati Bengals take on Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. See photos

Cincinnati Bengals take on Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. See photos