The Dolphins have decided to put veteran cornerback Will Allen on injured reserve.
Allen, a starter for the Dolphins since 2006, had major surgery on his left knee and missed the last 10 games of the 2009 season. The knee bothered him during training camp, so he had it cleaned up on Aug. 12, and the knee improved after the procedure.
While he would not be ready to play in the season opener at Buffalo on Sunday, he had been targeting the Sept. 26 contest against the New York Jets for his return. Sean Smith has struggled in a starting role in training camp and in the preseason and so, even with the addition of nickel cornerback Benny Sapp, Allen was expected to see significant playing time in extra and even base packages.
With the roster spot, the Dolphins could look to pick up a cornerback on waivers, as teams have released players around the league.
It is possible that Allen and his agent Drew Rosenhaus could attempt to negotiate his release.