# Dolphins Kicker Switch for Special Teams

> Miami Dolphins replace struggling kicker with veteran Zane Gonzalez after failed tryout.
- Title: Dolphins Kicker Switch for Special Teams | Shortify
- Summary: Miami Dolphins replace struggling kicker with veteran Zane Gonzalez after failed tryout. Miami Dolphins signed veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez to improve…
- Keywords: miami dolphins, zane gonzales, riley patterson, special teams, nfl, kicker, hard rock stadium, cincinnati bengals, jason sanders, tucker, baltimore ravens, nfl rules
- Source: Miami Dolphins On SI — https://si.com/nfl/dolphins/onsi/how-the-dolphins-kicking-change-might-be-the-first-step-for-struggling-special-teams-01m5cxw4j9xe
- Published: 2026-10-20T16:00:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: miami dolphins, zane gonzales, riley patterson, special teams, nfl, kicker, hard rock stadium, cincinnati bengals, jason sanders, tucker, baltimore ravens, nfl rules
## Special Teams Struggle
Miami Dolphins special teams have been a mess all season.
## Kicker Change
Riley Patterson released, veteran Zane Gonzalez joins practice squad after tryout.
## Gonzalez Injury
Gonzalez injured during training camp battle with Patterson at Hard Rock Stadium.
## NFL Rules Restriction
Dolphins prohibited from re-signing Gonzalez after injury settlement.
## Patterson's Performance
Patterson missed three kicks in first five games including two field goals.
## Patterson's 2025 Record
Patterson set franchise record with 27 of 29 kicks in 2025.
## Tucker Background
Tucker suspended for 10 games after misconduct allegations in 2025.
## Tucker's NFL History
Tucker was good enough for long enough to be considered greatest kicker in NFL history.
## Kicking Coverage Issues
Dolphins allow NFL-high 34.1 yards per kickoff return.
## New Rules Impact
Defenders and blockers can't move until kickoff is fielded under new rules.
## Coaching Decision
Head coach Jeff Hafley called for Patterson to put kickoffs into end zone.
## Special Teams Change
Kicker switch may help special teams unit but is just one element.
## Key takeaway

Miami Dolphins signed veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez to improve special teams after Riley Patterson's poor performance.