Carradine signed, Ledbetter to IR

The Miami Dolphins re-signed defensive end Tank Carradine on Thursday, less than two weeks after releasing him.

Carradine, a low-risk veteran who could start at defensive end, will help offset the loss of rookiedefensive end Jonathan Ledbetter, who started for Miami in the season opener but was placed on injured reserve Thursday with an ankle injury.

“Itkindof caughtmeoff guard because thingswere going so good,” Carradine said Thursday about his release onAug. 31. “I knew they had to make the best decision for the team, but that’s something that Ihad to deal with and overcome it.”

Carradine, a former second-round pick out of Florida State in 2013, was the first player signed by general manager Chris Grierduringtheteam’sextensive rebuild. He played in all four preseason games, recording two tackles and five quarterback hits.

He was released before Week 1, ensuring the Dolphins would not be required to guarantee his salary of $880,000 for the 2019 season.

While Carradine had to sit out the Dolphins’ blowout loss in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, he could start Sunday against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium.

“It hurt because I knew I wanted to be out there and compete with the guys,” Carradine said. “I knew I could have helped the defense, the defensive line, and I knew they could have used a guy like me. I had to get over it. But now, I’m glad I’m back to get another chance to compete and go play the NewEngland Patriots.”

Carradine, looking for a breakout season to revive his career, has started eight games over his sixyear career with 77 tackles, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 44 games.

“Tank’s tough and physical, and he’s a great teammate,” Dolphins coach Brian Flores said. “We’re happy to have him back.”

Ledbetter, an undrafted rookie out of Georgia, had four tackles, one quarterback hit and half a sack in his first career game. He would be eligible to return frominjured reserve in six weeks, during Week 8 of Miami’s season.