Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was surprised when asked about the pass rusher’s retirement and desire to play.

“No, so that’s why it’s just news as you understand it, it’s for us,” McDaniel said Tuesday of Barrett’s request to return. “So we’re going to find out. The Tuesday of a Thursday night game it’s hard to know the way all the way – I have to talk to (general manager) Chris (Grier) first and I’ve just finished a meeting and get up about to go to another one. So we’re going to do that, but I haven’t had any communication yet.”

On Thursday, Miami decided not to let Barrett join the roster midway through the season.

Over the course of his career, Barrett has recorded 400 tackles, 125 QB hits, 73 tackles for loss, 59 sacks, 22 forced fumbles and three interceptions in 131 games.

In Barrett’s place, linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Emmanuel Ogbah have combined for 4.5 sacks, 10 QB hits, 13 tackles for loss and one interception, respectively.

With Miami (5-6) in the playoff hunt, the Dolphins will now shift their focus entirely to Thursday’s Thanksgiving game against the Green Bay Packers at 8:20 PM ET at Lambeau Field.