Dolphins’ cornerback carousel continues with signing of Al Louis-Jean
The Miami Dolphins’ short-lived experiment with Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is over.
The Dolphins waived the injured second-year cornerback early Monday and replaced him with third-year corner Al Louis-Jean.
According to NFL Network, Ekpre-Olomu tore his ACL in practice when his cleat got stuck in the turf in the Dolphins indoor facility.
Louis-Jean, who went undrafted out of Boston College, played in nine games for the Chicago Bears in 2014, recording nine tackles and a pass deflection. He was released from the Bears during the 2015 training camp and spent a week on the Washington Redskins’ practice squad during the 2015 postseason.
“I’m just looking to add to the mix, bring what I have and compete,” Louis-Jean said. “[I want to] make people better and learn from the older guys and everyone that’s already been there.”
With rookie Xavien Howard on the PUP list and Chimdi Chekwa missing another practice with a thigh injury, the Dolphins are thin at cornerback heading into their first preseason game against the New York Giants on Friday night.
“I know that I have an opportunity here,” Louis-Jean said. “I’m just looking to compete.”
Ekpre-Olomu, an All-American his senior year at Oregon and at one point considered a potential first-round pick, slipped to the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft after he tore his ACL and dislocated his kneebefore Oregon’s bowl game. He has yet to play a game in the NFL.
SECOND CHANCE
Running back Daniel Thomas’ first stint with the Dolphins didn’t go as he planned.
A second round draft pick in 2011, Thomas averaged about 100 carries and 370 yards in his first four seasons before being released.
Thomas is hoping his second stint has more meaning.
“I’m just trying to work and show the coaches I can still do it,” Thomas said.
He said his experience with first-year coach Adam Gase helps, too.
Thomas, a 6-1, 235-pound running back, signed with the Bears before the 2015 season when Gase was the team’s offensive coordinator. Gase said Thomas in contention for the Bears’ No. 3 spot before a knee injury in the preseason ended his chances.
“That was it for him. He ran out of time,” Gase said of Thomas’ stint in Chicago. “He had been practicing well, both in the passing game, in pass protection and in the run game. … I knew if there was one thing I was going to get out of him was that he was going to come to work every day and give everything he has.”
DEPTH CHART
The Dolphins released their first preseason depth chart, with a couple notable takeaways.
First-round draft pick Laremy Tunsil is listed as the second-team left guard behind Dallas Thomas, and Jay Ajayi is the starting running back over Arian Foster.
But Gase said after practice not to look too much into the breakdown.
“It’s a starting point,” Gase said. “We have to put it out.”
SITTING OUT
Seven Dolphins players on the active did not participate in practice Monday. Defensive linemen Mario Williams and Cameron Wake got rest days. The other five were Chekwa, wide receiver DeVante Parker (hamstring), running back Kenyan Drake (hamstring), defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (calf) and defensive end Farrington Huguenin (ankle).
This story was originally published August 8, 2016 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Dolphins’ cornerback carousel continues with signing of Al Louis-Jean."