MIAMI — Former starting fullback Reagan Mauia was among 17 players released by the Miami Dolphins tonight as the team trimmed its roster to 53 by the NFL's mandatory deadline.

Mauia was a sixth-round pick out of Hawai'i last season and started nine games in 2007. He finished with 10 yards from scrimmage on six touches. The Dolphins decided to keep just one fullback in Boomer Grigsby, who signed as a free agent in March and has shown better receiving skills out of the backfield.

Veteran tight end Justin Peelle's contract was terminated by the team, giving an opportunity for Sean Ryan to play behind Anthony Fasano and David Martin at the position.

The Dolphins kept six receivers, including undrafted rookies Davone Bess, another UH alum, and Anthony Armstrong. Receiver Greg Camarillo, the hero of last season who scored on a 64-yard reception in overtime in the 14th game of the year to help the Dolphins avoid the NFL's first 0-16 season, also was kept on the roster.

Running back Lex Hilliard, a sixth-round choice from Montana, was the only one of nine picks by the new regime who was waived.

But vice president of football operations Bill Parcells, general manager Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano are likely far from finalizing the roster for the regular-season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 7.

The Trifecta, as they have become known in South Florida, pledged to comb the waiver wire through Sunday's noon deadline to claim players from other teams. And some players cut Saturday by Miami will be kept on the team's practice squad.

The other players waived by Miami were receiver Jayson Foster; linebackers Kelly Poppinga, Edmond Miles, Maurice Fountain, Junior Glymph and Titus Brown; tight end Matt Mulligan; defensive tackle Anthony Toribio; cornerback Will Billingsley, safety Courtney Bryan; centers Mike Byrne and Matt Spanos; and offensive tackles Daren Heerspink and Pedro Sosa.