Dolphins cut LaMike James; Promote Jake Stoneburner

In a pair of roster moves completed Monday afternoon, the Miami Dolphins surprised no one by promoting tight end Jake Stoneburner. Releasing running back LaMike James to make space for Stoneburner may be a little bit of a surprise, though it cannot be called a shock.

Stoneburner, who appeared to be the team's third tight end throughout the preseason, returns to the active roster after Miami saw Dion Sims suffer a concussion. With Sims' availability in question - he is currently in the NFL's concussion protocol and must clear all tests before he can return to practice and games - the addition of Stoneburner makes sense, adding a tight end behind starter Jordan Cameron.

James has seen his playing time cut over the last week of the preseason and Week 1 of the regular season. James had been working as the primary returner for the team, but fumbles the last two games led to the coaches installing wide receiver Jarvis Landry - who returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown on Sunday - as the primary return man. James did not make any offensive appearances against the Washington Redskins. Deactivating James for future games, while activating the recently promoted Jonas Gray for game days, seemed like the move the team would consider. They chose to use his roster spot for Stoneburner, however.

Miami could still try to re-sign James to the practice squad.