For the second time in three weeks, the Dolphins signed a former 1,000-yard rusher who, regrettably, happens to be three years removed from his last good season.

Unlike 32-year-old Larry Johnson — who was signed twice and then cut twice by Miami — new Dolphin Steve Slaton isn’t past his prime, at 25.

But Slaton, who was cut by Houston on Tuesday and claimed by the Dolphins off waivers on Wednesday, has not done much since a splendid 2008 rookie season when he ran for 1,282 yards, averaged 4.8 per carry and caught 50 passes for 377 yards. By all accounts, Slaton hasn’t fully regained his form since neck surgery after the 2009 season.

To make room on the roster, the Dolphins released defensive lineman Ryan Baker, who appeared in 14 games during three seasons. He played one snap Sunday against Cleveland.

Slaton’s signing does not figure to impact the workload of rookie Daniel Thomas, who has looked very good in two games with 202 yards rushing and a 4.9 average.

The Dolphins also remain committed to Reggie Bush, their marquee offensive acquisition of the offseason. But Bush has just 80 yards rushing on 28 carries, a 2.9 average.

Bush spoke Wednesday of needing to “play fast” and said that against Cleveland, “I misread some of the reads. This last game, I got caught pressing. I’ve got to be patient.”

Bush (11 catches, 71 yards) hasn’t been used as much as a receiver as he was during his best seasons for New Orleans. The Dolphins did not line him up in the slot at all against Cleveland — something he did quite a bit with the Saints.

“Lining up at receiver — we do it a lot at practice, but we haven’t done it in the game,” Bush said.

Chad Henne indicated Bush has not been used more as a receiver because “sometimes defenses are bringing pressure where he has to protect. We’re looking downfield first.”

Coach Tony Sparano said the coaches “can do a better job of getting Reggie in space, try to get Reggie touches early.”

Slaton, drafted 89th overall out of West Virginia, was deemed expendable by the Texans because they have Arian Foster (the NFL’s leading rusher last season) and impressive backup Ben Tate.

After his rookie season, Slaton averaged 3.3 yards per carry and fumbled seven times in 2009. He had 427 yards rushing in 11 games and finished the season on injured reserve with the neck injury.

He had more fumble problems last season, was benched in November and placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury on Dec. 9, finishing the year with just 19 carries and 93 yards. Slaton had 20 yards on seven carries this season before being released.

The Dolphins, who did not comment on Slaton’s signing, must pay him a prorated share of his $1.2 million salary.

Bush wasn’t the only offensive player who offered critical self-analysis Wednesday.

Brandon Marshall, who has failed to hold on to three catchable potential touchdowns so far this season, said, “I need to be more consistent. I’ve been challenging myself to make a big play, just try to create a spark.”

Marshall, who caught four passes for 43 yards against Cleveland, was so dismayed that he went to the Dolphins facility Sunday night to watch tape until 5 a.m. He said he has done those “all-nighters” a couple of times in his career.

“I do that when I’m not where I want to be mentally or physically,” he said. “Sunday, they tried to game-plan me and take me out.”

Sparano said he didn’t know Marshall was at the facility that late. “We could have had breakfast together,” the coach cracked.

Meanwhile, Jake Long called for better pass protection from an offensive line that has allowed 11 sacks, tied for fifth most in the league. “We know it’s an issue,” Long said. “We’ve gotten Chad hit too many times.”

Injury update

Vontae Davis, who missed Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, was limited in practice, and his status is uncertain for Sunday’s game at San Diego. Vernon Carey, who played 13 snaps against Cleveland because of a shoulder injury, said he will play this weekend.

Tony McDaniel remains sidelined by a hand injury and said he has no idea when he will be cleared to play. Yeremiah Bell missed practice for personal reasons.

Chargers’ tight end Antonio Gates sat out Wednesday’s practice with a foot injury and told San Diego reporters that the injury will require prolonged rest. It appears doubtful he will play Sunday.

• Sparano said he wants to give more playing time to rookie receiver Clyde Gates, who was in for 19 of Miami’s 76 offensive snaps against Cleveland. Gates, who has not caught a pass, was out of bounds on a deep throw on Miami’s second-down play of its ill-fated final possession Sunday.

• Sun Life Stadium, which is owned by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, dismissed 15 employees — 14 who worked on Marlins’ stadium operations and a Dolphins website employee.