Practice squad DB Davis promoted to active roster

DAVIE — The Dolphins have promoted a defensive back to the active roster to supplement their depth in the secondary one day before facing Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Jalen Davis, a rookie out of Utah State who has spent all season on Miami’s practice squad, was added to the Dolphins roster on Saturday.

With star cornerback Xavien Howard — the NFL leader with seven interceptions — declared out of Sunday’s game against New England, the Dolphins could use some extra players on the back end of their defense.

The Dolphins would likely start Minkah Fitzpatrick and Bobby McCain at the cornerback positions. When McCain is used inside on nickel formations, Torry McTyer or Cornell Armstrong could fill Howard’s position on the boundary with starting safeties Reshad Jones and T.J. McDonald providing help.

Davis appeared in all four preseason games for the Dolphins, mostly inside during nickel formations, accounting for four tackles and two pass deflections before the season.

Rookie cornerback Dee Delaney, a former University of Miami cornerback who the Dolphins claimed off waivers Tuesday, was waived to make room for Davis on the roster.

Delaney was claimed after being waived by the Jaguars earlier this week. It is likely both Jacksonville and Miami could attempt to bring him back as a practice - squad player next week.