The Dolphins continued to trim their roster following their third preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday.
Stock rising: Jorvorskie Lane. The Dolphins took a flyer on the converted fullback because of his past relationship with offensive coordinator Mike Sherman. He arrived at camp in the best shape of his career and has shown a zest for blocking.
John Jerry. The guard showed up to training camp about 30 pounds overweight but has played his way back into shape. Jerry has the frame of an All-Pro at 6-foot-5, 350 pounds, and he finally is showing the consistency coaches have looked for his entire career.
Stock falling: Anthony Fasano. The tight end is the most complete player at the position on the roster but had three dropped passes against Atlanta after bobbling an easy grab last week against Carolina. His struggles could open the door for a few youngsters.
Each week during preseason, RapidReports will take a position-by-position look at the players we think are likely to make the final cut to 53 on Sept. 2 and those who we think may soon be seeking alternative employment.
QB -- In: (3) Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore and Pat Devlin. Out: David Garrard. Analysis: Tannehill was named the starter this week and while Moore can't be happy, he is regarded as one of the top backups in the league and could be moved in a trade if another team is desperate. Meantime, Devlin is eligible for the practice squad but Garrard, who is out for up to another three weeks with a knee injury, makes too much to keep on the active roster once the season starts.
RB -- In: (4) Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas, Steve Slaton and Lamar Miller. Out: Marcus Thigpen, Jonas Gray. Analysis: With the team moving to a zone blocking scheme and investing a draft pick on Miller this April it all but locks up the first four running backs. Thigpen could possibly stick as a WR/KR because of his receiving ability but likely will be cut and catch on with another team. Gray was put on the PUP list on Saturday.
FB -- In: (1) Lane. Out: Jerome Messam. Analysis: Lane got the start against Atlanta and delivered with one rush for a yard and a catch for 10 more to go along with solid blocking and lots of hustle. That made Messam expendable and led to him getting cut on Saturday.
WR -- In: (6) Legedu Naanee, Davone Bess, Marlon Moore, Chris Hogan, Julius Pruitt and Roberto Wallace. Out: Jeff Fuller, Brian Hartline, B.J. Cunningham, Rishard Matthews. Analysis: Hartline has yet to practice at all in Sherman's new offense as he has been hampered by a hamstring injury. Cunningham will likely make the practice squad.
TE -- In: (4) Fasano, Charles Clay, Jeron Mastrud and Michael Egnew. Out: Les Brown. Analysis: The team is high on Clay and spent a high draft pick on Egnew in April's draft. Mastrud, however, is the best blocker of the lot and with Fasano a free agent next season, depth and potential is a key to this position. Brown was too raw and a poor blocker.
OL -- In (8): Jake Long, Richie Incognito, Mike Pouncey, Artis Hicks, Jonathan Martin, Jerry, Josh Samuda and Lydon Murtha. Out: Ryan Cook, Will Barker, Andrew McDonald and Nate Garner. Analysis: Samuda, an undrafted free agent, came out of nowhere to earn the No. 2 center job. Jerry has come on the past week in practice and has looked like a borderline starter. Garner’s versatility could still earn him a spot.
DL -- In (9): Cameron Wake, Jared Odrick, Randy Starks, Paul Soliai, Olivier Vernon, Derrick Shelby, Kheeston Randall, Jamaal Westerman and Tony McDaniel. Out: Ryan Baker, Jarrell Root, Jacquies Smith, Isaako Aaitui, Chas Alecxih. Analysis: Vernon has a preseason start and was a third-round pick in April's draft, but Shelby, an undrafted rookie, has stolen the show and could earn time as a situational pass rusher. The team is transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3 front so depth is key. Westerman’s ability to play outside linebacker and special teams earns him a spot.
LB -- In (7): Karlos Dansby, Kevin Burnett, Koa Misi, Jason Trusnik, Gary Guyton, Austin Spitler and Josh Kaddu. Out: Jonathan Freeny, Josh Linam, Cameron Collins and Shelly Lyons. Analysis: Dansby and Burnett have both been injured for much of the preseason, allowing Misi and Trusnik to get lots of time with the first team. Kaddu has shown flashes and should contribute on special teams.
CB -- In (9): Vontae Davis, Sean Smith, Richard Marshall, Nolan Carroll, , Quinten Lawrence, Reshad Jones, Chris Clemons, Jimmy Wilson and Tyrone Culver. Out: Jonathan Wade, Marcus Brown, Anderson Russell, Tyrell Johnson, Kelcie McCray, Kevyn Scott and Trenton Hughes. Analysis: Smith and Davis have had mediocre preseasons, but Marshall has emerged as a legitimate starter. Wilson pushed for the starting job at safety but makes the squad with his special teams play and gets another shot in the offseason. Wade was a surprise cut after a dreadful game against the Falcons on Friday.
Special teams -- In (2): Dan Carpenter, Brandon Fields. Analysis: These two kickers are among the best at their position in the league. Carpenter converted 29 of 34 field goals last season with a long of 58 yards. Meantime, Fields just earned a rich contract extension as he has posted three of the top four punting seasons in team history. The former Michigan State star averaged 48.8 yards per boot last season.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSSportsNFLMIA.