Miami, FL

The Dolphins settled their quarterback situation when Miami released veteran backup David Garrard, who is still healing from a knee injury.

The move was made one day after Garrard returned to practice from the injury that hampered his entire preseason.

Garrard took to Twitter to confirm, stating "To all the dolphins fans thx for ur support! Best of luck to all my teammates. Thx for making me feel at home!! Phins up!!"

Despite missing all of last year with a back injury, the former Jackson Jaguars Pro Bowler Garrard was the early front-runner at the start of training camp in the Miami's quarterback competition, which also featured last year's Dolphins starter Matt Moore and rookie first-round draft choice Ryan Tannehill.

All that changed when the long-time Jaguars starter Garrard had to undergo arthroscopic surgery in early August, which not only caused him to miss all four preseason games, but also caused his fall to fourth in Miami's QB list.

If Garrard, who served as the Jaguars' starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010 after being picked by Jacksonville in the 2002 NFL Draft, successfully came back from his latest injury, there was a good chance he could have bested Tannehill for starting spot.

Apart from his health issue, the age factor was obviously taking its toll on the 34-year-old Garrard, and the Dolphins have obviously set their sights on the future with rookie Tannehill.

There is also the financial risk in keeping Garrard. The Dolphins would to guarantee his contract in the event they stuck with him.

Garrard was slated to return by Week 1 or 2.

Al Irby, Garrard's agent indicated his client's health at 90 percent, but conceded the player could need up to another 10 days to fully recover, the Miami Herald reported.

Garrard was cut by Jacksonville prior to the 2011 season and sat out the entire campaign. He underwent back surgery in 2011.

Garrard agreed to terms with Miami on a one-year contract on March 19, 2012.

Garrard threw for 16,003 yards and 89 TDs against 54 interceptions while rushing for 1,746 yards and 17 scores in 86 career games - all with the Jaguars.

As a result, the Dolphins would go ahead with Tannehill as their starter, Moore as the backup and Pat Devlin as the emergency quarterback.

Also, Miami lineman Artis Hicks was placed on the injured reserve list with a serious neck injury, while the team re-signed guard Ray Feinga.

 

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