Jonathan Ledbetter put on enough of a show in practice and preseason to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. However, his season is coming to an abrupt end. On Thursday, the Miami Dolphins placed him on injured reserve as he battles an ankle injury he suffered during Wednesday’s practice.

After six weeks, Miami is eligible to bring back two players from IR. In the meantime, the Dolphins re-signed veteran Tank Carradine to take Ledbetter’s place.

Carradine, a six-year veteran, performed fairly well during the preseason for Miami, even though he only recorded two tackles and five QB hits on the stat sheet. Now, Carradine will likely take starting responsibilities again. He started three of the Dolphins’ preseason games.

Instead of keeping Orchard or Carradine, Miami elected to go young along the defensive line. Ledbetter, Charles Harris, and Avery Moss – who was claimed off waivers from the Giants – were their opening day defensive ends. Ledbetter made four tackles and half a sack against the Ravens.

As an undrafted free agent out of Georgia, Jonathan Ledbetter is a hard worker and offers a relentless motor. He is a prime candidate to return from injured reserve, along with rookie linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. If they can develop into decent defenders for the 2020 season, that will be a success for them. The Dolphins apparently intend to earn the first overall pick in the 2020 draft, but currently project to pick fifth. To get where they want to be, youth is the route they will continue to take. Carradine is merely filling an open hole. A strong showing could help his future in the NFL.

Luis Sung has covered the Miami Dolphins for numerous outlets such as Dolphins Wire for six years. Follow him on Twitter: @LuisDSung