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LB Long Activated Off PUP List

Dolphins veteran inside linebacker made practice debut in limited role.
Scott Salomon|
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under pressure from Miami Dolphins linebacker David Long Jr. (51) during the first half of the 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under pressure from Miami Dolphins linebacker David Long Jr. (51) during the first half of the 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. | Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

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Miami Dolphins

Linebacker David Long, Jr., last season's leading tackler, is active and released from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The Dolphins did not announce any corresponding moves.

He had 113 tackles last season. He played in 75 percent of Miami's defensive snaps, had a sack and a forced fumble, and had nine tackles for loss.

The team did not disclose why he went on the PUP list. However, Long was wearing a compression sleeve on his left leg.

Long was out of all team activities and worked alone on the sideline. There is no timetable set for Long's return to team drills.

Long's presence in the middle is very important to the Dolphins as they lost interior defensive lineman Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders during free agency. Long restores continuity in a defense now led by new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

Once Long returns to full speed, the Dolphins will have a full complement of inside linebackers. Long will be joined by Jordyn Brooks, Anthony Walker, Jr., and Duke Riley.

Long was signed by the Dolphins as an unrestricted free agent from Tennessee during the 2023 offseason. The Titans originally selected him in the sixth round of the 2019 draft.

Long is wearing a new jersey number this season as he switched to 11. He wore the number while he played at West Virginia. The number became available when Cedrick Wilson, Jr. was signed by the New Orleans Saints this offseason.

The Dolphins still have Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Cameron Goode, and Isaiah Wynn on the PUP list.

Miami opens its preseason schedule on August 9th against the Atlanta Falcons.

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Scott Salomon
SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Salomon joined On SI in April 2024, covering breaking news and analysis for various On SI channels. Scott covers the NFL, College Football, MLB, and the WNBA. Scott has been covering local and national sports for over 35 years. Scott graduated from the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Scott is also a member of the PFWA and the FWAA. Follow Scott Salomon on X @ScottSalomonNFL.

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