Miami Dolphins release kicker Riley Patterson, sign Zane Gonzalez to practice squad

The Miami Dolphins released kicker Riley Patterson as part of a series of roster moves on Tuesday, according to sitkasentinel.com and wflx.com. Patterson had made seven of nine field-goal attempts and five of six extra points this season.

In place of Patterson, the Dolphins signed veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez to the practice squad. Gonzalez had spent part of training camp with the team before being released in August with an injury settlement, the reports said.

The team also waived cornerback Storm Duck and edge rusher Andre Jones Jr., while signing edge rusher Rodney McGraw from the practice squad, wflx.com reported.

These moves come as the Dolphins attempt to improve one of the league's weakest special teams units, which allowed an 81-yard return on the opening kickoff against Cincinnati in Week 5. Head coach Jeff Hafley cited a lack of execution as a key issue and said the team would evaluate all units during its bye week.

Gonzalez has a career record of 115 made field goals out of 142 attempts, including 18 of 28 on attempts of 50 or more yards, according to the reports. Hafley emphasized the importance of veteran players performing at a high level across all special teams roles.

The Dolphins are using their bye week to assess special teams performance and explore further changes if necessary, the reports added.