Dolphins waive former Bulldog Edwards

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Posted 6:00PM on Sunday, August 31, 2003

DAVIE, FLORIDA - Robert Edwards' inspirational comeback with the Miami Dolphins ended Sunday when her was released. The Dolphins also put wide receiver Oronde Gadsden on injured reserve as the team pared its roster to the 53-man limit. The Dolphins tried unsuccessfully to trade Edwards, who returned and played a key role as Miami's third-down back last season after missing the previous three with a devastating left knee injury. "We gave him a shot and he did his part and helped us win games," Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said. Edwards' career was in serious jeopardy after he shredded his left knee in a beach football game at the 1999 Pro Bowl. A former first-round draft choice by New England, Edwards rushed 20 times for 107 yards and had 18 receptions and scored two touchdowns in 2002. He was second in Comeback Player of the Year voting behind Pittsburgh quarterback Tommy Maddox. Gadsden was the Dolphins' top receiver in 2000 and 2001, but played in only six games last season because of a torn ligament in his left wrist. He also missed much of training camp with a serious ankle sprain. Neither Gadsden nor Edwards were available for comment Sunday. Edwards' locker was cleared out several hours before the 4 p.m. deadline to make cuts. Edwards led Miami with 169 yards on 38 carries in the preseason, forcing the team to make a tough decision between keeping him or Leonard Henry as the third running back behind Ricky Williams and Travis Minor. "They both had good preseasons and they both have more than enough talent to play in this league," Dolphins vice president Rick Spielman said. "The decision was Henry and he maybe had a slight edge over (Edwards) in the special teams area." Henry said it was hard for him to see Edwards not make the team. "We had a relationship off the field as well as on the field," Henry said. "But I know that if a guy that can overcome what he has overcome, this right here is nothing to him." Gadsden's season isn't necessarily over. If the Dolphins reach an injury settlement with Gadsden before 4 p.m. Friday, he could return to the team after six weeks, Spielman said, although he would be a free agent. "We never shut the door on any player, especially a player of Oronde's caliber that has won a lot of games for us," Spielman said. The Dolphins also waived cornerbacks Korey Banks, Alphonso Roundtree and Omare Lowe; wide receivers Ron Bellamy and Kendall Newson; tackles Greg Jerman and Tim Provost; linebackers Bam Hardmon and Justin Seaverns; defensive tackle Johnny Thomas; safety Yeremiah Bell; and center Troy Andrew. One of the happier players to make the team was linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo. His brother, Obafemi Ayanbadejo, was a lock to make the roster as a backup fullback, but Brendon, the younger of the siblings by one year, knew he was on the bubble. "On Sunday, when I'm sitting there on the punt team and my brother is standing next to me, then it will sink in," Brendon Ayanbadejo said. "Saturday is my birthday and Sunday I get my present." Miami opens its season Sept. 7 at home against Houston.