Miami Dolphins cuts 2015: Anthony Johnson starts reduction to 53-man roster limits

The Preseason officially ended last night as the Miami Dolphins fell 22-17 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. with all four Preseason contests in the books, the Dolphins are now reaching the point of the NFL calendar where the league mandates teams drop their roster size from the current 75-man limit down to the 53-man regular season size. To start that reduction, the Dolphins have released defensive tackle Anthony Johnson.

Dolphins have cut DT Anthony Johnson, leaving AJ Francis and CJ Mosley battling for 1 job unless Dolphins keep both.Francis strong recently.

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) September 4, 2015

Johnson had a difficult road to try to reach the 53-man roster this year. He showed flashes, but was out played by Francis during training camp and the Preseason. If no team signs Johnson between now and Sunday, the Dolphins could look to sign him to their 10-man practice squad.

Johnson appeared in seven games for the Dolphins last year as a reserve defensive tackle, becoming a part of the Miami defensive line rotation when injuries started to mount. He has two career tackles. This year, Miami's depth chart clearly begins with Ndamukong Suh and Earl Mitchell, with Francis, Mosley, and rookie Jordan Phillips all likely to make the roster (though Miami could elect to release either Francis or Mosley and stick with just four defensive tackles).

The team has until 4pm Saturday to cut 21 more players.