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Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard ruled out against Titans

MIAMI (AP) Miami Dolphins rookie cornerback Xavien Howard underwent knee surgery to repair his meniscus and is expected to be sidelined several weeks.

Howard, a second-round pick, missed the first three-plus weeks of training camp recovering from arthroscopic surgery on the same knee. The latest injury occurred in practice Tuesday when he got tangled up with receiver Kenny Stills.

''It's tough when you just went through this, and now you have to go through it again,'' coach Adam Gase said. ''It becomes part mental and physical at this point. He's a really good young player, and he has brought a lot to our defense.''

Howard will be replaced in the starting lineup Sunday against Tennessee by Byron Maxwell, who was benched last week for poor play.

Cornerback Chris Culliver, recovering from a serious knee injury last Thanksgiving, is on the physically unable to perform list and is expected to begin practicing in Week 7.

''We have that window to keep evaluating when we can get him on the field,'' Gase said. ''When that time comes, then obviously he'll be in the conversation very fast.''

Ruled out against the Titans along with Howard were linebacker Koa Misi (neck) and tight end Jordan Cameron (concussion). Running back Arian Foster (hamstring) is doubtful.

Center Mike Pouncey is expected to play. He missed the first four games with a hip injury and returned to practice this week.

Left tackle Branden Albert, who has been slowed this week by a virus, is listed as questionable.

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