De'Veon Smith: Miami Dolphins promote RB, waive Rey Maualuga

Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The Miami Dolphins have promoted practice squad running back De'Veon Smith.

Miami also waived linebacker Rey Maualuga. The Dolphins announced the moves Saturday.

Smith, 23, signed with the Dolphins on May 5 as an undrafted college free agent. The 5 foot 11, 221 pound running back had 35 yards on 12 carries this preseason for the Dolphins. The University of Michigan product had 2,235 yards and 22 touchdowns on 495 carries during his four-year tenure with the Wolverines.

Maualuga, 30, entered the NFL as a second round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2009 NFL Draft. The 6 foot 1, 254 pound defender joined the Dolphins on Aug. 19. Maualuga had 23 tackles in six games this season. He started four games for the Dolphins.

After Jay Ajayi's trade to the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 31, the Dolphins needed depth at linebacker. The running back position now includes Damien Williams, Kenyan Drake, Senorise Perry and Smith on the Dolphins' depth chart.

The Dolphins signed Perry to a reserve/futures contract on Jan. 10. He is listed as questionable for Week 11 with a knee injury. Perry was listed as limited Wednesday and Thursday but got in a full practice on Friday.