The NFL-mandated release to 53 has arrived and while some teams got an early jump over the weekend, the Miami Dolphins have a lot of work to do ahead of the 4:00 p.m. deadline.

The Dolphins on Sunday released quarterback Mike White as well as tight end Jordy Fortson. While each was somewhat surprising neither were Earch-shattering. White and Fortson both didn't look good during training camp.

Players that will be released today could be back tomorrow when teams begin to fill out their practice squad schedules. Those that are on the bottom, or fringe of the roster today, may not make it to week one. While there could be some surprises, Dolphins fans shouldn't be too upset with how the initial roster unfolds.

Player

Position

Mark Perry

Defensive back

Cam Smith - Placed on IR - Designated ret.

Defensive back

Odell Beckham, Jr. - Placed on PUP

Wide Receiver

Chris Brooks

Running back

Isaiah Johnson

Cornerback

Zander Horvath

Running back

Hayden Rucci

Tight end

Nik Needham

Cornerback

Chasen Hines

Offensive line

Matthew Jones

Guard

Curtis Bolton

Linebacker

Mike Harley, Jr.

Wide Receiver

Leonard Payne

Defensive tackle

Jadon Janke

Wide Receiver

Kyric McGowan

Wide receiver

Je'Quan Burton

Wide Receiver

Neville Gallimore

Defensive tackle

Isaiah Mack

Defensive tackle

Jason Maitre

Cornerback

Chris Brooks - Expect the Dolphins to bring Brooks back to the practice squad if he clears waivers. Brooks ran well through camp and in preseason until he was injured. He was dealing with a concussion. The Dolphins are keeping De'Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, Raheem Mostert, and Jeff Wilson.

Hayden Rucci - The Dolphins are parting ways with a tight end that fans were hoping would make the roster. Rucci showed a lot of potential but the numbers for him don't line up with the roster. He should, if he clears waivers, make the practice squad. There is a bright future for Rucci in the NFL.

Nik Needham - Needham becomes the first real surprise of the Dolphins roster cuts.

Chasen Hines - Hines, a former member of the Dolphins was signed following the teams week two preseason game.

Matthew Jones - Jones is a bit of a surprise given his blocking throughout camp and the preseason. According to stats, he gave up no pressure or sacks in the three games. He was ranked by PFF as one of the Dolphins top blockers. Miami needs to get him on the practice squad if he clears.

Curtis Bolton - Bolton was a long shot to make the final 53 but his play through practice and preseason was notable. The Dolphins would be smart to bring him back to the practice squad as there is a lot to like and develop.

Je'Quan Burton - Burton made a big statement in week two of preseason when he stepped into serve as a running back after Chris Brooks was injured. Burton was a long shot from the first day of camp and while he garnered respect from his coaches taking over like he did, the numbers were never on his side.

Neville Gallimore - Per a report by Barry Jackson, the Dolphins are releasing Gallimore. His offseason was pretty decent and many projected him to be a member of the final 53. The Dolphins still have a pretty good core of defensive tackles but the day is not over. Gallimore is the first "surprise" of the releases.

Isaiah Mack - Mack had a good camp but he was battling a tight roster window on a defensive tackle unit that was stocked with similar-style players. He is an option for the practice squad and could be added as early as tomorrow. If he is, expect him to be called up to the active 53 at some point.

Jason Maitre - Maitre looked good in his exhibition work and it is a minor surprise to see him out of a job. The Dolphins will most certainly keep him on the practice squad if he clears waivers. It's a bit of a risk but Maitre still needs to develop so he may not be on a lot of teams immediate radard.

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