The Dolphins put Dannell Ellerbe, one of their intended starting linebackers for the season, on injured reserve this week and it looks like they’ll be without the other two when they face the Bills this Sunday.
Koa Misi is battling an ankle injury that knocked him out of the victory over the Patriots and Philip Wheeler is still bothered by the thumb injury that kept him out of the lineup last week. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that both players will miss this week’s game and that they both have a chance to return to the lineup against the Chiefs in Week Three.
The injury issues extend beyond those three players. Jordan Tripp has been ruled out for a second straight week and rookie Chris McCain, who had a sack and a blocked punt last week, has missed practice this week because of an illness.
Per Salguero, the Dolphins would go with Jason Trusnick in the middle with Jelani Jenkins and Jonathan Freeny outside if both starters are unable to play. They were all part of the team’s defense in their second half whitewashing of the Patriots last weekend, which should keep anyone in Miami from feeling too gloomy if they have to rely on them again this week.
