National Football League

Dolphins release QB David Garrard

Published Sep. 4, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Backup quarterback David Garrard was released by the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday.

Garrard, who has been sidelined since early August after having surgery to remove loose bodies from his knee, was surpassed by rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill in training camp.

“They didn’t want me to, and I didn’t feel like I was quite ready to move with guys flying around me,” Garrard said, via the Miami Herald. “But I feel good. I know I’m not quite exactly where I want to be, but it felt good just being back out there, realizing I can still drop and do all of those things.”

Although Garrard never suited up for the Dolphins in a regular season game, he took to Twitter to thank the Miami faithful.

"To all the dolphins fans thx for ur support! Best of luck to all my teammates.Thx for making me feel at home!! Phins up!!"

Garrard signed in March and climbed atop the depth chart in training camp before he was sidelined by a left knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery Aug. 11. In his absence, Tannehill claimed the starting job for Sunday's opener at Houston.

The Dolphins also placed guard Artis Hicks on the reserve-injured list Tuesday, and they re-signed tackle Ray Feinga, who was waived by the team Friday.

The 34-year-old Garrard's $2.25 million salary would have been guaranteed if he was on the roster for the opener. He returned to practice Monday on a limited basis and said he's not yet 100 percent.