MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins traded a conditional late-round draft choice to Atlanta for journeyman nose tackle Shawn Lee Monday while releasing 12 players and placing two others on injured reserve.
Jackie Cline, waived after being paid an injury settlement for his bruised thigh, was the only player released who played with the Dolphins a year ago. Cline was picked up from Miami by Atlanta under Plan B last winter, released by the Falcons last week and signed by the Dolphins Thursday.
He injured his thigh on Friday during the Dolphins' 20-17 loss to Minnesota.
Offensive lineman Stacy Searels, an offensive lineman, was given a settlement for his toe injury. Shula said both Cline and Searels could be re-signed during the season by the Dolphins, who open their regular season Sunday at New England.
Placed on injured reserve, making them ineligible for the rest of the season, were cornerback Donnie Elder, a Plan B acquisition from Tampa, and free agent tackle Dave Popp.
Cut were tight end Greg Baty, guard Tony Brown, defensive end Jeff Faulkner, cornerback African Grant, linebackers Chris Haering and Stacy Harvey, fullback Garrett Limbrick, nose tackle Jeff Roth, wide receiver Thomas Woods and lineman Jim Zdlar.
Shula also said linebacker Barry Krauss, who led the Dolphins in tackles last year, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Monday and will be out three to four weeks. He said Krauss would be placed on injured reserve Tuesday, opening up another roster spot which could be filled by picking up a player from the waiver wire.
The cuts left Miami with only four defensive linemen, making the acquisition of another one necessary.
Lee played two years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a college career at Northern Alabama. He was cut last week and picked up on waivers by Atlanta.
'We felt there was a need to bring in another nose tackle,' Coach Don Shula said. 'We worked against Lee some over in Tampa and felt he was a good prospect.'
Lee was delighted with the opportunity, because the Dolphins have only rookie Alfred Oglesby at nose tackle until starter Brian Sochia comes off a steroid suspension in three weeks. End T.J. Turner also could shift over one spot if it became necessary.
'This is an excellent situation for me,' Lee said. 'I'm sorry some of the other defensive linemen had to get hurt, but I'm just glad I have a chance to come in here and earn a starting job.'
