Jordan Lucas: Miami Dolphins promote defensive back to active roster

Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Defensive back Jordan Lucas has joined the Miami Dolphins' 53-man active roster.

The Dolphins announced the move on Tuesday. Miami placed tackle Eric Smith on injured reserve in a corresponding transaction.

Lucas, 24, was a sixth round pick by the Dolphins in the 2016 NFL Draft. He had two assisted special teams tackles in eight games last season with the Dolphins. He was waived on Sept. 2 and signed with the team's practice squad on Sept. 3.

He is expected to be a special teams contributor.

Smith signed with the Dolphins on May 5 as an undrafted college free agent out of Virginia. He made the team's active roster after training camp but was inactive for the Dolphins' first three games this season.

Smith is dealing with a knee injury, which could require surgery.

Lucas had 14 combined tackles and a sack in three preseason games for the Dolphins this year.

The Dolphins currently have Byron Maxwell, Xavien Howard, Alterraun Verner, Bobby McCain, Cordrea Tankersley, Torry McTyer and Walt Aikens at cornerback on their depth chart. Miami has Reshad Jones, Nate Allen, Michael Thomas and Maurice Smith at safety.

The Dolphins (1-2) face the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Lakes. Tennessee signed veteran backup quarterback Brandon Weeden on Tuesday for depth behind injured starter Marcus Mariota. The Titans have just three passing touchdowns this season, but rank sixth in the NFL with 139.8 rushing yards per game.