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Dolphins’ Kenneth Grant Ready to Make Noise After Disappointing Rookie Season
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- Dolphins’ Kenneth Grant Ready to Make Noise After Disappointing Rookie Season
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kenneth Grant spent the first four games of the 2026 season on the sidelines.
A toe injury landed him on injured reserve before the season , forcing him to miss Miami's first four games.
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Grant returned to action in the Dolphins' 31-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He played a rotational role along the defensive line, finishing with one tackle in 16 snaps.
"I thought it was solid," Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley said of Grant. "I think getting his feet wet, getting the rust off. I think he did some good things, and we need to get him going a little bit this week with what we do on the field and then get him back practicing more and playing more because we're going to need him."
Grant lost weight ahead of the 2026 season, hoping it would improve his play
After weighing 337 pounds last season, Grant shed about 15 pounds. Now, the two-time All-Big Ten selection will look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 rookie season.
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After selecting Grant 13th overall out of Michigan in the 2025 NFL Draft, Miami hoped he could develop into a strong run stopper and pass-rush threat. However, that never materialized as he struggled with consistency.
In 17 games in 2025, Grant, 22, finished with 33 tackles and two sacks. With so many roster and organizational changes, the Dolphins hope Grant can emerge as a breakout player as the defense looks to establish an identity.
Miami could also use Grant to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Through five games, the Dolphins are tied with the Kansas City Chiefs for the league's fewest sacks, with four.
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"He's big body, he can move, he's got really good feet for his size," Dolphins defensive coordinator Sean Duggan said of Grant. "Very strong at the point of attack, can anchor, can take away space and then can provide some rush value whether it's pushing the pocket up the middle or it's working an edge on a guard or running games.
"I think he does a really good job, really with every aspect of that."
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
