Rey Maualuga not expected to play versus Vikings

The Miami Dolphins signed free agent linebacker Rey Maualuga this summer in an effort to bolster a position group that already saw rookie, and presumed starter, Raekwon McMillan lost for the year with an ACL tear. Maualuga, the ninth-year veteran formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, joined the Dolphins with expectations that he could become the team’s starting middle linebacker, or at least pushing third-year linebacker Mike Hull in a position battle for the spot.

Maualuga, however, continues to work on conditioning, rather than fully participating in practices. According to the Palm Beach Post’s Joe Schad, Maualuga will not take part in tonight’s preseason finale for the Dolphins as they visit the Minnesota Vikings.

The Dolphins will kickoff against the Vikings at 8pm ET tonight.

Maualuga has yet to be assigned a jersey number by the Dolphins. Currently, linebacker Brandon Watts wears the number 58, which Maualuga wore throughout his time with the Bengals. If Watts does not make the team, it is assumed Maualuga would then be assigned his number. If Watts does make the team, Maualuga would likely have to negotiate a buy out for the number from Watts.

You can find everything you need to know to watch tonight’s game here.