Maurice Smith released to create roster room for same player twice

Miami Dolphins safety Maurice Smith breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett during an NFL game on Sept. 30, 2018, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. (The Miami Dolphins waived safety Maurice Smith on Monday for the second time this season. In both instances, Smith was released to make room on the roster for offensive tackle Sam Young.

Now in his ninth NFL season, Young has played in 23 games for the Dolphins since the beginning of the 2016 season, with seven starts.

Smith had played in Miami's four games since being signed off the Dolphins' practice squad on Sept. 18. He'd been on the field for 26 defensive snaps and 62 special-teams plays, with…