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Aug 28, 2008 1:35 pm US/Eastern
Dolphins Prepare For Preseason Finale
Last preseason game before roster cutdowns on Saturday
MIAMI (CBS4.com) ―
The fourth and final preseason game for the Miami Dolphins kicks off tonight at 8pm on My33. The fourth preseason game is typically seen as a last performance for the players who are on the bubble of Saturday's roster cutdown to 53 players.
The Dolphins have established some players as the number one at their position. Players like quarterback Chad Pennington, offensive tackle Jake Long, and wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. all seem to have a lock on their starting positions.
Most coaches let their starters take the fourth game off. That position seems to be gaining momentum with catastrophic injuries hitting players like New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who tore a knee ligament in last week's game.
Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano plans to play his starters for about a quarter on Thursday. He wants to see more from former number 2 overall draft pick Ronnie Brown.
The former Auburn running back is trying to get back to 100% after missing all but 7 games of last year. Brown has more than likely lost his starting job to Ricky Williams, though the Dolphins are likely to platoon the backs like many other teams in the NFL.
For the players who are still trying to lock up a roster spot, like wide receiver Davone Bess, the final preseason game is the last chance to make a lasting impression on the Dolphins' staff.
The Dolphins will have to cut around 17 players on Saturday to get to the NFL roster limit of 53 players. Some players, like David Kircus and Jay Feeley, have already received their walking papers.
If all goes as planned, this will probably be the last time we see quarterback Chad Henne enjoy significant playing time. The former Michigan will likely become the number 2 quarterback behind Pennington. The role as backup will be a new one for Henne because he's started everywhere he's been, including a four-year stint as the starter for Michigan.
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