Dolphins trim roster to 75

Yesterday, the Dolphins cut their roster down to the mandatory 75-man limit. Among the notable moves was placing guard Seth McKinney on the injured reserve list, which means he's done for the season. McKinney had hoped to return by the end of the season. Given the limited action he would've seen, however, I understand why the team placed him on IR. The most recognizable name among the cuts was former UM quarterback Brock Berlin.

Offense, special teams struggle in preseason loss

The Dolphins lost their third preseason game, 19-10, to the Carolina Panthers. Despite a good outing by Culpepper, who completed 14 of 19 passes for 130 yards, the first team offense didn't reach the end zone. Part of the blame goes to the running game that amassed only 70 yards on 25 carries.

10 of Carolina's points came as a result of special teams miscues. A fumbled punt return led to a field goal, and Carolina rookie DeAngelo Williams returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown.

On the bright side, the first team defense held the Panthers offense in check and did not allow them to score. Jake Delhomme completed only 6 of 15 passes for 58 yards.

Culpepper takes hits in preseason win

The Dolphins won their first preseason game, beating the Tampa Bay Bucs 13-10. More importantly, new QB Daunte Culpepper received his first hits in game action since knee surgery. Culpepper was sacked twice, but there was no visible problems with the knee as a result. He finished his short stint by completing 7 of 9 passes for 86 yards.

Another newcomer, Dan Wilkinson, who just joined last week, got 1 1/2 sacks. However, rookie Jason Allen didn't fare as well, getting beatened for a 48 yard touchdown pass.

Wilkinson joins Dolphins

Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson signed a three year contract with the Dolphins. The former #1 overall draft pick last played for Detroit before the Lions granted him his release this past offseason.

Green Bay, Philadelphia, and Oakland were also interested in Wilkinson, but he chose the Dolphins because he liked the situation in Miami best. Said Wilkinson: "Playing 12 years in the NFL, this is my 13th, I've been to the playoffs one time. This is a grand opportunity. This is a team that's right there with the right nucleus, right players and the right coaching staff to take it to the championship level."

Dolphins lose preseason opener

The Dolphins opened the preseason with a 31-26 loss to Jacksonville.

The good news is that (1) Daunte Culpepper played one series without sustaining any injury to his repaired knee and (2) the starters gave the team a 10-0 lead before the backups came in.

The bad news is that (1) the secondary gave up 4 touchdown passes on big plays as the result of what coach Saban called "mental errors" and (2) the running game gained only 99 yards, averaging an unimpressive 3.8 yards/rush with the starters.

Jason Allen signs

After a 10 day holdout, first round pick Jason Allen signed with the Dolphins. Exact terms of the contract were not disclosed, but it is a six-year deal with guaranteed money in the $8 to $9 million range.

Allen is initially expected to back up Travares Tillman, who has been starting at free safety in training camp.

Hagan signs, Moore waived

The Dolphins signed third-round pick WR Derek Hagan to a four-year contract worth $2.3 million. The only remaining unsigned draftees are Jason Allen and Rodrique Wright.

The team also waived LB Eddie Moore. They tried to trade Moore during the offseason, but he failed his physical. So ends the tenure of another personnel bust from the Dave Wannstedt era.