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Dolphins Make First Round Of Cuts

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins made their first roster cuts of the preseason Wednesday in order to get down to the mandatory limit of 75 players.

The Dolphins cut the following players: linebacker Michael Clay; wide receiver Jeff Fuller; defensive end Emeka Onyenekwu; wide receivers Juilus Pruitt and Andrell Smith; linebackers Nathan Williams and David Hinds; and fullback Jorvorskie Lane.

The team also announced that it was terminating the contract of guard Lance Louis.

The release of Louis was interesting because he was acquired as a free agent and given a $100,000 signing bonus to join the Dolphins. He leaves the team without ever playing a regular season down, but will keep his signing bonus and a workout bonus of $25,000, giving him a total of $125,000 without making the roster.

The Dolphins signed Pruitt at the end of July after other receivers were injured. Pruitt didn't distinguish himself though during camp which led to his release.

Lane spent last season as a starter after coming back into the league as an unrestricted free agent. But, the Dolphins offense has little use for a fullback and that roster spot will likely be going to a tight end or extra receiver.

The other name that sticks out is Fuller. He was the top target of Fins quarterback Ryan Tannehill at Texas A&M, but after almost two years with the team, he couldn't break through into a roster spot.

The remaining players on the roster are not safe just yet. Another 22 players will be cut in the next four days.

All NFL teams must cut their roster to 53 active players by 6:00 p.m. Saturday.

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