The Miami Dolphins made a number of cuts Tuesday just before the NFL's 4pm deadline for teams to reduce their rosters to 75 players. Fullback Javorskie Lane was the most notable name on the cut list, going from starter to unemployed over the course of the preseason.
Additionally, the team cut offensive lineman Lance Louis, defensive end Emeka Onyenekwu, linebackers Michael Clay, David Hinds, and Nathan Williams, and receivers Jeff Fuller, Julius Pruitt, and Andrell Smith.
Lane made five starts for the Dolphins in 2012 (appearing in 13 games overall), scoring 3 touchdowns (one receiving and two rushing) and turning into a major weapon on short-yardage situations.
But the Dolphins have shifted to an offensive identity that uses a fullback sparingly, making Lane too much of a luxury on which to spend a coveted roster spot. One fullback, rookie Evan Rodriguez, is still on the roster, but he is not a lock to make the final roster by any means.
Tight end Charles Clay is expected to line up at fullback occasionally, and the Dolphins will instead utilize sets with multiple tight ends or three wide receivers instead of a tight end and a fullback.
Louis is another big name on the cut list. The Dolphins signed Louis to a $1.6 million contract during the offseason, but will only have to pay him $100,000 in guaranteed money. Coming off of knee surgery, the three-year veteran and former Chicago Bear was unable to beat incumbent right guard John Jerry for a spot in the starting lineup.
The Dolphins have one more roster deadline approaching. All teams must make final cuts and reduce their rosters to 53 by Saturday.
