According to a league source, the Dolphins also will not release Barrett to allow him to sign with another team this season. So even though Barrett is applying to the NFL for reinstatement from retirement (a procedural move), he will essentially remain retired this season, unable to collect a salary or play for another team.

The Miami Dolphins won't be activating pass rusher Shaq Barrett off the reserve/retired list, according to a league source. This means Barrett, who retired before the season, won't play this season. The latest news was first reported Thursday by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Barrett, who surprisingly retired before training camp, recently expressed a desire to return to play. The Dolphins had to make a decision by 4 p.m. Thursday whether to activate Barrett and they decided not to do anything so Barrett will remain retired.

A dichotomy of mentality and physicality is driving the Miami Dolphins, who don't want Tua Tagovailoa to step into unnecessary hits, but are praising his lengthiest stride: a verbal cue pulled from his interest in boats.