The Miami Dolphins surprised many on Monday by announcing that they had waived rookie defensive end Curtis Weaver.
We have waived/injured DE Curtis Weaver.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 24, 2020
ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe offered a possible explanation as to why the Dolphins made the move.
If he clears waivers, then he reverts back to the Dolphins IR and his season is over. So I'd imagine that the Dolphins needed his roster spot now and not after cutdown day, and they are hoping that he clears. But certainly a risk, another team could claim him for 2021 and beyond.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 24, 2020
By placing Weaver on waivers, the Dolphins are risking the chance of losing him to another team.
Weaver, 22, was selected by the Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
In three seasons at Boise State University, Weaver recorded 128 total tackles, 47.5 tackles for loss and 34.0 sacks. He was also named the 2019 Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Weaver suffered a foot injury during Saturday’s practice and it looks as if that injury is going to keep him out of the entire 2020 season.
If he clears waivers, Weaver will go to the Dolphins’ injured reserve list and collect his rookie salary.
