*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

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Aug 27, 1996: -- Practice Squad Announced --

DOLPHINS NEWS:

The Dolphins announced their practice squad roster today, signing quarterback Spence Fischer, guard Garrin Patrick, guard John Elmore and tackle Mike Sheldon.

Spence Fisher played his college football at Duke, where he was a 4 year starter and was drafted this year by the Pittsburgh Steelers with their last draft pick. Fischer (6'3", 222 lbs) has been compared in a lot of ways to Neil O'Donnell because of his lack of mobility and his accuracy in the short passing game.

Offensive lineman John Elmore was drafted by the Patriots this spring in the 5th round. He played college football at Texas, where he played tackle and was known for this trap blocking ability and his ability to pull.

Guard Garrin Patrick was on the Colts roster last year, but only played in 4 games. He played his college football at the University of Louisville.

Tackle Mike Sheldon was with the Buffalo Bills last year on their practice squad. He attended Grand Valley State and is listed as 6'4" and 295 lbs.

In other news, the Dolphins have announced that Joe Robbie Stadium is being renamed "Pro Player Park", after the Pro Player line of sportswear paid $20 million for the privelege.

And last, but not least, the Dolphins are discussing making offers to several other players, including former Jet's fullback Brad Baxter, former Colts quarterback Craig Erickson and former Rams tight end Lovell Pinkney. The only player they've talked to as of this date is Brad Baxter.

My Comments:

I don't know much about any of these players, but they are all castoffs from other teams. I'm more than a little surprised that we didn't see any of the Dolphins' draftees on the list. LaCurtis Jones was signed by Tampa Bay to their practice squad, but I haven't seen any reports of any of the other players being signed.

However, it might be interesting to consider the fact that JJ has signed one player from each of the Dolphins' AFC rivals. Given that he's already got a bunch of Jets players on the roster, he signed Patrick from the Colts, Sheldon from the Bills and Elmore from the Patriots. I doubt that he really thinks he can get a lot of relevant information from each player, but still, it's an interesting speculation.

I wouldn't expect any of the recently released players mentioned above to be signed, but I read that linebacker Darion Connor has been released today by the Panthers. I had thought that Connor was a decent linebacker in the past and perhaps he could help the team.

Related Info:

ESPNet Sportszone:

Transactions

Miami Herald:

JRS turns Pro (Player) for $20 mil

Miami Herald:

Dolphins Notebook