In the aftermath of the latest injuries to their linebacker corps, the Dolphins are bringing in a trio of veterans, including one with knowledge of the team’s first-round playoff opponent this weekend. Miami on Tuesday announced the signing of outside linebackers Justin Houston and Bruce Irvin to the 53-man roster. A league source confirmed to the Miami Herald that the Dolphins are also signing Malik Reed to the practice squad. Houston, who turns 35 on Jan. 21, played the first eight seasons of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Miami will face Kansas City on the road Saturday night. Houston was released by the Carolina Panthers in December after signing a one-year deal with the team. He recorded a half sack in seven games. Houston’s 112 career sacks are tied for the third most among active players. Houston is a four-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro selection, all with the Chiefs. A third-round pick in the 2011 Draft, Houston has also played for the Colts and Ravens. In Baltimore, Houston recorded 9.5 sacks in the 2022 season. Houston has played in nine playoff games in his 13-year career
Irvin, 36, was released by the Detroit Lions last week after appearing in two games in December and recording one sack. A first-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2012 Draft, Irvin has also spent with the Raiders, Falcons, Bears and Panthers. He has 85 career sacks.
Reed, 27, signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins in the offseason but was waived as part of roster cuts before the regular season started. He played under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio with the Denver Broncos, recording a career-high eight sacks in 2020. Reed has appeared in four games this season for the Raiders, recording three tackles. Las Vegas cut Reed on Dec. 21. The veteran outside linebackers give the Dolphins much-needed depth and experience with the position group’s top three players set to miss the wild card round matchup. Andrew Van Ginkel (foot) and Cameron Goode (knee) sustained injuries in the regular-season finale loss to the Buffalo Bills that will sideline them throughout the playoffs, coach Mike McDaniel said Monday.
They join Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (knee) as edge defenders who have sustained season-ending injuries. Inside linebacker Jerome Baker, who can play outside linebacker, also had surgery for a wrist injury he sustained against Buffalo and is out for the rest of the season. Miami placed Van Ginkel, Baker and Goode on injured reserve. One spot is open the Dolphins’ active roster. Before the moves, Emmanuel Ogbah was the Dolphins’ only edge defender on the 53-man roster. Melvin Ingram, who has been elevated from the practice squad the past three weeks, is a candidate to be signed to the active roster. Interior defensive linemen Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler had snaps as edge defenders against the Bills and could do so again against the Chiefs.
