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Dolphins Activate Rookie CB Xavien Howard Off PUP List

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DAVIE (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins announced on Thursday that the team has activated rookie cornerback Xavien Howard off the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Miami selected Howard in the second round of this year's draft.

Howard has yet to participate in his first NFL training camp after suffering a knee injury on the final day of minicamp back in June.

The injury required arthroscopic surgery that could have kept Howard off the field until September.

The rookie is now eligible to immediately begin practicing with his teammates, but that won't happen for at least a few days.

Miami will play its second preseason game on Friday night in Dallas against the Cowboys.

The Dolphins aren't expected to be back on the practice field until Sunday.

Howard will likely be eased back into practice duties at first, with the goal being to get him 100% ready in time for Miami's Week 1 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks on September 11th.

Once he returns to practice, Howard will be competing for a starting cornerback spot opposite Byron Maxwell.

Veteran Chris Culliver, signed by Miami last week, and second-year player Tony Lippett are also vying for a starting job.

Culliver was placed on the PUP list after signing with the Dolphins as he continues to recover from a torn ACL and MCL suffered last November. If Miami keeps him on PUP list to start the regular season, he would have to sit out the first six weeks.

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