Miami Dolphins Sign Julius Pruitt Off Practice Squad, Rule Vontae Davis and Phillip Merling Out

The Miami Dolphins signed wide receiver Julius Pruitt off their practice squad on Saturday, filling the roster spot left vacant when wide out Marlon Moore was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week.  Before the signing of Pruitt, the Dolphins had just three healthy wide receivers heading in to today's game at the Kansas City Chiefs: Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess, and Brian Hartline.

Rookie receiver Clyde Gates is also on the active roster, but missed last week's game against the New York Giants with a groin injury.

Pruitt has been with the Dolphins since 2009, spending all three seasons on the practice squad.  "This is what I've been waiting for," Pruitt said. "I've just been trying to get better each week and just wait for my name to be called. You just never know when your name is going to be called so you just always try to be prepared. Each week pay attention and know exactly what you're doing just in case so when you get in there you won't have any missteps." 

The Dolphins are expected to use Pruitt primarily on special teams, in a role similar to that of Moore, before he was placed on IR.  However, he could see time as a wide receiver as well.  Bess likes the improvements he has seen from Pruitt in practice this year. "That's what the NFL is all about right there, giving people opportunities and seeing if you can make the most of it," said Bess. "I'm happy for Pruitt. He's a guy that worked his butt off every day and he deserves it. I think he has good size, catches the ball well and he's physical." 

Meanwhile, the Dolphins ruled cornerback Vontae Davis and defensive end Phillip Merling out for the game on Sunday.  Both were listed as being out for "non-injury" reasons - whatever that means.

"Like Marshall I'm a bigger receiver and also I can run," said Pruitt. "But my value is going to be on special teams and I'm just going to try to make an impact and help the team that way."     

We all shall see on Sunday if the long time practice squad member can make an impact.