Dolphins Work Out Punter Bryce Baringer
Miami worked out the former New England starter after the Patriots released him from injured reserve.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
The Miami Dolphins worked out punter Bryce Baringer on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after the New England Patriots released him from injured reserve on Oct. 26. Baringer spent three seasons as New England's starting punter after being drafted in the sixth round in 2023.
Why it matters
Miami's punting position has been a weak spot, with Bradley Pinion ranking 29th of 32 punters in season-long net average. A workout gives the Dolphins a look at a proven starter as they search for an upgrade.
Baringer's career 47.9-yard average per punt and 41.0-yard net average compare with Pinion's 45.4-yard average across 25 attempts this season, which ranks 29th of 32 punters in net punting. Whether Baringer's numbers hold up after his lower-body injury has not been addressed.
The players
Bryce Baringer
Baringer is a punter drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL draft who appeared in all 51 regular-season games in his first three seasons.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are an NFL franchise based in Miami, Florida, competing in the American Football Conference East division.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are an NFL franchise based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and the team that drafted and released Baringer.
Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel is the head coach of the New England Patriots, who said the team wanted to give Baringer time to pursue another job.
The details
Christopher Price of the Boston Globe reported the workout on X. Baringer suffered a lower-body injury in the Patriots' August preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Mitch Wishnowsky took over punting duties before Baringer was placed on injured reserve.
Timeline
August 2026: Baringer suffered a lower-body injury in a preseason game against Philadelphia.
Sunday, Nov. 1: The Patriots defeated the Dolphins 24-19.
Oct. 26: The Patriots released Baringer from injured reserve.
Tuesday, Nov. 4: The Dolphins worked out Baringer.
Sunday, Nov. 8: The Patriots host the Green Bay Packers.
Season Trajectory
Miami's search for a punter comes as the Dolphins sit at 1-6 after the Nov. 1 loss to New England, a record that leaves little room for special-teams struggles. Teams in similar positions often turn to released veteran punters to address weak net averages during the middle of the season.
Dolphins fans should watch whether Baringer signs, since a stronger net average could shift field position in the team's remaining games. Fantasy managers tracking punters will see Pinion's ranking and Baringer's signing status as the team's next move becomes clear.
The takeaway
Special-teams depth can decide close games, and the Dolphins' search for a punter shows how quickly teams respond when production drops. Readers tracking the team should watch for official roster moves in the coming days.
What happens next
The Patriots host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026.
Further reading
Follow more Miami Dolphins football coverage for updates on the team's search for a punter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
