Justin Hunter Released by Dolphins: Latest Comments and Reaction

The Miami Dolphins announced they waived wide receiver Justin Hunter on Wednesday after he appeared in just one game with the team this season.

Hunter spent the first three years of his career with the Tennessee Titans, compiling 68 receptions for 1,116 yards, after landing in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft.

But with the Titans acquiring Andre Johnson, Harry Douglas and Rishard Matthews ahead of the 2016 season, they released the former Tennessee Volunteers star, whom the Dolphins picked up a week before their season opener.

Per Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel, Miami brought Hunter in for extra depth while wide receivers DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills were recovering from injuries.

But with Stills appearing in every game this year and Parker playing in the previous two, Hunter became expendable, especially after not being targeted in his lone appearance with the Dolphins. 

The team needed to free up a roster spot with the injury bug sweeping through the offensive line. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, starting left tackle Branden Albert and backup center Anthony Steen are nursing ankle injuries, putting their Week 4 status in doubt. 

Steen slotted into the starting role after Mike Pouncey suffered a hip injury during the preseason. 

Kelly noted the Dolphins may promote an offensive lineman from the practice squad for Thursday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

At 25 years old, Hunter is a 6'4" target who could still appeal to teams searching for receiver help on the outside.

He has shown he's capable of being a big-play threat, averaging 19.7 yards per catch on 18 receptions during his rookie season in 2013.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.