Steve Slaton got "a lot" of work with the first-team offense, along with Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas, as the Dolphins opened training camp Friday. Slaton emerged as a coaching-staff favorite during offseason practices, and it appears they are serious about giving him a shot at playing time. Rookie Lamar Miller also stood out on Friday. As crowded as this backfield is, Slaton remains an extreme long shot to make an early-season fantasy impact.

According to the Miami Herald, the new Dolphins coaching staff "really likes" RB Steve Slaton. New head coach Joe Philbin likes Slaton's fit in his scheme, which was of the zone-blocking variety in Green Bay. Reggie Bush is locked in as the starter, and GM Jeff Ireland traded up for Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller the past two years. Even with Philbin's backing, Slaton will need an impressive showing throughout August to keep his roster spot.

Pro Football Weekly "hears" that Dolphins RB Steve Slaton will enter training camp on the roster bubble. We'll take it a step further and say Slaton is definitely on the bubble after the display rookie Lamar Miller put on during minicamp. Slaton will need the Dolphins to keep four tailbacks on the 53-man roster to have any chance to stick. Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas, and Miller are locked into the top three spots.

It would cost the Dolphins $0 against the salary cap to cut Steve Slaton before Week 1. Coach Joe Philbin called Slaton a "good fit" in the Dolphins' new zone-blocking scheme after he signed a one-year, $700,000 deal (with no signing bonus) in March, but his roster spot was imperiled by the selection of fourth-round RB Lamar Miller. Even if Slaton does eke out a roster spot, he'll be off the radar in all formats of fantasy football.

Coach Joe Philbin explained that the Dolphins re-signed Steve Slaton because he fits their scheme. Philbin's comments strongly suggest the Fins are turning to a zone-blocking scheme, which Philbin also oversaw in Green Bay. "(Slaton) is a guy we think fits our system of running the football very, very well," Philbin said. "That's his training. That's kind of his background in the league so we really felt he was a good fit schematically." Slaton projects as the Dolphins' No. 3 running back with possible kick return value.

Dolphins reportedly re-signed RB Steve Slaton to a one-year contract. It speaks to the lack of league-wide interest that Slaton is returning after seeing just 17 carries in Miami last season. The former Texans rookie sensation will be the third-string tailback behind Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas.

TheSidelineView.com's Adam Caplan reports the Dolphins are interested in re-signing free agent RB Steve Slaton. Claimed off waivers from the Texans last September, the former third-round pick was active just three times for the Dolphins. He's still only 26 years old, but has carried the ball just 43 times the past two seasons as injuries and fumbling issues have limited his playing time. He won't be a factor in 2012.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel suggests free agent RB Steve Slaton was not in ideal football shape during his time with the Dolphins last season. "He's no longer the quick and elusive tailback he was earlier in his career with the Texans," opines beat writer Omar Kelly. "It would benefit Slaton to get in better shape this offseason." We gave up the ghost on Slaton's Dynasty value a couple years back. He won't be guaranteed a roster spot no matter where he lands this summer.

The Palm Beach Post expects the Dolphins to let free agent Steve Slaton walk. Miami is expected to go with a cheaper option behind Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas. Slaton was active just three times after being claimed off waivers by the Dolphins in September, carrying the ball 17 times for 64 yards. He made only two catches.

Dolphins declared RB Steve Slaton, TE Anthony Fasano, T Will Barker, C Ryan Cook, G Ray Feinga, DL Ryan Baker and QB Pat Devin inactive for Saturday's Week 16 game against the Patriots. No surprises for the Dolphins. Anthony Fasano (concussion) is out, perhaps giving Brandon Marshall an extra target or two in this dream matchup.