Misi likely out, Wheeler hoping to start against Bills

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Looks like the Miami Dolphins will be without another starting linebacker this weekend, as current reports have middle linebacker Koa Misi a non-starter for the team's road game in Buffalo.

The news on Misi comes just three days after the team designated Dannell Ellerbe to IR with a hip injury. Misi, dealing with an ankle injury, could see action as early as Week 3, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, though we won't rule him out 100 percent until the final injury report.

Salguero reported early Thursday that both Misi and fellow linebacker Philip Wheeler would be out for Sunday's divisional matchup, though that report was updated later in the day and indicated that Wheeler intends to play after all. The 29-year-old has been battling a thumb injury since before the team's first regular season game.

'Phins move Ellerbe to IR, sign former Bill Sheppard

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

It's homecoming time for linebacker Kelvin Sheppard.

A little more than a year after being traded by the Buffalo Bills to the Indianapolis Colts for Jerry Hughes, Sheppard will return to Ralph Wilson Stadium this weekend, only in a Miami Dolphins uniform. The 26-year-old was acquired by the team Monday following the news that Dannell Ellerbe was placed on Injured Reserve and will miss the remainder of the season.

Ellerbe, Wheeler not sure things atop depth chart

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins dished out big free agent contracts to Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler last offseason to upgrade their linebacker corps.

That's what they thought they were doing, anyway.

The duo turned out to be a disappointment on the whole in 2013, with linebacker play the primary culprit as Miami's once-mighty run defense slipped into mediocrity. According to head coach Joe Philbin, the Dolphins have not ruled out altering their lineup to get the best players on the field and improve the defense's performance.

Duffner vows to get most out of Ellerbe, Wheeler

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Miami Dolphins got younger at linebacker last year in swapping out Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett for Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler.

That doesn't mean they got better.

Miami hoped Ellerbe and Wheeler would be impact players in the pass rush while taking advantage of their speed in both getting to tackles against the run and dropping into coverage, but none of that materialized in 2013.

In Miami, Ellerbe in 'better position' to be a leader

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Without a doubt, money was a factor in linebacker Dannell Ellerbe's choice to sign with the Miami Dolphins this offseason over his former team and opponent this Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens.

But along with the lucrative contract, the chance to play without the burden of following the legendary Ray Lewis enticed Ellerbe to take Miami's offer.

“I would always be in the shadow there,” Ellerbe said, according to the Ravens' official website. “This is a better position for me to come down here and make a name for myself, to be able to be one of the top leaders on this defense."

Coyle pleased with tempo of Wheeler, Ellerbe

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tempo, tempo, tempo.

We heard it a lot last year when the Miami Dolphins were settling into Joe Philbin's offense, and that same kind of talk has spilled over to the other side of the ball this year.

The Dolphins have fielded a fast-paced defense in 2013 with the help of newcomers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler -- a pair of linebackers acquired in free agency. The duo combined for 26 tackles Sunday in Miami's victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Ellerbe, Wheeler talk up Dolphins' offense

BY SEAN DONOVAN

This offseason, the Miami Dolphins made a number of moves to improve their defense, bringing in linebackers Philip Wheeler, Dannell Ellerbe and cornerback Brent Grimes to add some speed and athleticism to the unit.

But so far, those players are mostly singing the praises of the offense they face in practice every day. (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)

"We have a fast offense, man," Wheeler said recently during a conference call with fans, via the Palm Beach Post. "We have playmakers at receiver. Any one of those guys can break it open at any time.

Ellerbe transitions to veteran status with Dolphins

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

In his four years with the Baltimore Ravens, Dannell Ellerbe had the luxury of learning the game from some of the league's most talented veteran linebackers.

Now, he gets to the chance to pass that wisdom along. (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)

Ellerbe watched and waited in Baltimore behind Ray Lewis & Co. for three years before getting any extensive playing time, which came last season. He proved himself worthy, posting 92 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Dolphins reach agreement with former Raven Ellerbe

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Offensive improvement wasn’t the only thing on the mind of Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland Tuesday.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the ‘Fins have agreed in principle to a five-year, $35 million contract with Ravens’ linebacker Dannell Ellerbe.

Ellerbe had his most productive season during the Ravens’ Super Bowl run, notching 4.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. He finished second on the team behind Bernard Pollard in tackles (69) in 13 games. (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)