Practices Wednesday

Hull (knee) took part in Wednesday's practice session, Alain Poupart of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Analysis: Hull's return to practice means that he'll be eligible for activation from injured reserve as soon as Oct. 26, which would put him on track to play Week 9 against the Jets. The fourth-year linebacker recorded 35 tackles (27 solo) last season and will likely serve in a reserve role once he's reinstated to the 53-man roster.

Placed on IR

Hull (knee) was placed on injured reserve Monday, Adam Beasley and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: The decision to put Hull on the IR shouldn't come as a major surprise since the linebacker suffered an MCL injury the first week of the preseason. Still, he will be eligible to return halfway through the season if he can get back to full health.

Injures MCL

Hull (knee) suffered an MCL injury in Thursday's preseason opener against the Bucs and is expected to miss several weeks, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Analysis: Hull's injury is not expected to be season-ending, but there's no clear timetable for his return yet. The 27-year-old is entering his fourth season with the Dolphins and competing for a role at linebacker. Expect an update when more clarity is provided regarding his recovery time.

Injures knee in preseason opener

Hull injured his left knee and won't return to Thursday's preseason opener against the Buccaneers, Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Hull needed to be carted off the field, which obviously isn't a good sign. The fourth-year linebacker is a core component of the Dolphins' special teams units, and an extended absence could force Miami to look to the free-agent market for a replacement.

Hull had 35 tackles and a fumble recovery in 16 games for Miami during the 2017 season.

Analysis: Hull actually started two games at linebacker earlier this season, but he was mainly used on special teams after Week 4. He provides the team with depth at OLB, which is likely where his future lies should he remain with the team.

Hull is the player most likely to take over at starting middle linebacker for the recently released Rey Maualuga, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: Hull was also the starter earlier this season as the Dolphins waited for Maualuga to get into playing shape. Hull has 24 tackles and a fumble recovery in nine games for the Dolphins this season. He is likely to be flanked by Lawrence Timmons and Kiko Alonso for Sunday's game versus Tampa Bay.

Hull (shoulder) has been cleared to play in Monday's game against the Panthers.

Analysis: Hull's availability never seemed to be in much danger after he was a full participant in practice Friday and Saturday. He hasn't logged a snap on defense since Week 4, however, and that trend will likely continue as long as the Dolphins' starting linebackers remain healthy.