Dolphins Sign Safety Anderson Russell, Could Play Sunday
INDIANAPOLIS – On Saturday evening, the Miami Dolphins signed practice squad safety Anderson Russell to the team.
Russell has been on the Dolphins' practice squad since the 2011 season and could be on the active roster for Sunday's 1 p.m. game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The 6-0, 208 pounder brings good special teams value, and the former Ohio State standout could lesson the amount of snaps starters play on the unit.
The former Buckeye notched 38 career starts in college and produced six career interceptions during his college career. He registered 14 tackles in the four exhibition games he played for Miami.
If Russell plays on Sunday it will be his third NFL game considering he played in two (contributing two tackles) as a member of the Washington Redskins back in 2010.
Russell presently positioned behind Reshad Jones and Chris Clemons, the Dolphins' starters, and Jonathan Amaya, the top backup safety.
The Dolphins had an open spot on the 53-man roster because receiver Anthony Armstrong was released on Tuesday.
Miami has numerous holes to fill and complicated decisions to make with Sunday's gameday roster.
Head coach Joe Philbin must decide if it is best to start an injured Ryan Tannehill, allowing the rookie to play with a bruised left knee, or go with a healthy Matt Moore, his backup.
Philbin and Miami's coaches will discuss the issue Saturday evening and come to a consensus based on what they've seen this week in practice from Tannehill.
The Dolphins could also find themselves playing without leading receiver Brian Hartline (groin) and defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (right knee sprain).
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel contributed material for this report.
