Dolphins activate Cam Smith, place Berrios on injured reserve

The Dolphins moved cornerback Cam Smith from injured reserve to their 53-man roster on Monday, two days before the deadline to do so under the NFL’s injured reserve rules.

Receiver Braxton Berrios, who sustained a torn ACL on Sunday against the Colts, was placed on injured reserve, creating a roster spot for Smith.

The Dolphins’ second-round pick in 2023, Smith played only 20 defensive snaps as a rookie and sustained a hamstring injury in August, which landed him on IR to start the season.

The Dolphins had 21 days to activate Smith once he began practicing, and Monday was day 19. If he hadn’t been activated, he would not have been permitted to play this season.

His return gives the Dolphins seven cornerbacks on the 53-man roster: Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller, Kader Kohou, Siran Neal, Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner and Smith.

Berrios, who will miss the remainder of the season, sustained the knee injury in fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Colts. He will be a free agent after the season.

He had no receptions this season but was the Dolphins’ primary returner on punts and kickoffs.

Receiver Dee Eskridge, who’s on the Dolphins practice squad, would be an option to replace Berrios. He has a 25.3 average on 18 career kickoff returns, mostly for Seattle. He hasn’t returned a punt in the NFL or in college.

Receiver Malik Washington didn’t return a punt in college but is listed as the Dolphins’ backup punt returner on their depth chart. Hill and Waddle also are options for returns.

River Cracraft would be another option when he’s healthy enough to return from a shoulder injury. Cracraft, who’s on injured reserve, hasn’t yet begun practicing with the team.

Besides Eskridge, receiver Erik Ezukanma also is on the team’s practice squad.

Berrios’ move to IR leaves the team with four receivers on the 53-man roster: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios and Malik Washington.

The Dolphins likely will open up one or two more roster spots this week -- one possibly for another receiver and another to activate quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from injured reserve, if he clears concussion protocol before Sunday’s home game against Arizona (1 p.m., Fox).