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Cutting their losses: Dolphins release Grove one year into deal

DAVIE, Fla. -- Bill Parcells skipped practice Thursday, and instead could be seen standing by his car at the Miami Dolphins' complex, holding a golf club and practicing his swing.

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Meanwhile, the team's surprising personnel moves continued. The Dolphins terminated the contract of center Jake Grove, meaning Joe Berger will start in the opener Sunday at Buffalo.

The shake-up in the middle of the offensive line came two days after the Dolphins announced Parcells was stepping back into a consulting role and turning over the operation of the team to general manager Jeff Ireland.

Last year, the Dolphins gave Grove a multiyear deal that included at least $14 million guaranteed. Grove nursed shoulder and knee injuries during the preseason and missed four games last season.

But Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said finances weren't a factor in Grove's departure, nor were his injury-prone history.

"He got beat out," Sparano said. "Joe's a little bit more physical at the point of attack. He has been the most consistent at the position."

To give themselves more flexibility up front, the Dolphins re-signed offensive lineman Cory Procter, who had been released last week. Procter can play guard or center, while Grove is strictly a center.

The Dolphins have added eight players since Saturday, an unusual flurry of activity so close to the start of the season. They've parted with several key 2009 acquisitions in recent days, including second-round draft pick Pat White and third-round selection Patrick Turner.

Linebacker Channing Crowder (groin) again missed practice Thursday, and left tackle Jake Long (left knee) was limited. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall (ankle) was added to the injury report, but he fully participated in practice.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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