Dolphins part ways with RB Chris Brooks due to injury settlement

The Miami Dolphins released Chris Brooks from injured reserve on Monday as part of a severance package, making the running back a free agent.

Brooks, 24, was one of three players released or injured by the Dolphins last week as part of the latest cuts, along with offensive lineman Ryan Hayes and wide receiver Braylon Sanders. While all three returned to Miami's IR after going unclaimed on the waiver list, the injury settlement officially removes Brooks from the roster entirely.

The Dolphins could bring Brooks back at some point, but NFL rules require them to wait several weeks. In the meantime, Brooks is allowed to sign elsewhere.

Brooks earned a spot on the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie in 2023 and appeared in nine games, finishing the year with 106 yards on 19 carries. Although he had strong moments in the 2024 preseason (103 yards on 17 carries), the signing of Jaylen Wright left little room for Brooks on the active roster.

In the Dolphins' second preseason game, Brooks left the field with a hit that placed him in concussion protocol. He did not play in Miami's final preseason game a week later.