Dolphins place starting linebacker Dannell Ellerbe on injured reserve

The Dolphins have placed linebacker Dannell Ellerbe on injured reserve, head coach Joe Philbin announced Monday. Ray Rice released by Baltimore Ravens,

The Dolphins have placed linebacker Dannell Ellerbe on injured reserve, head coach Joe Philbin announced Monday. 

Ray Rice released by Baltimore Ravens, suspended indefinitely by NFL​

Ellerbe injured his hip in Sunday's win over the Patriots. By the end of the game Miami was without its top three linebackers. Philip Wheeler was inactive with a thumb injury and Koa Misi was forced from the game with a bad ankle.

Ellerbe signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He signed a five-year, $35 million contract with the Dolphins prior to last season and started 15 games.

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Philbin also announced the team would sign Kelvin Sheppard. Sheppard was drafted in the third round by the Bills in 2011. He was traded to the Colts prior to last season and appeared in 15 games with seven starts. The Colts cut Sheppard at the end of training camp this year.

Second-year player Jelani Jenkins is listed as Ellerbe's backup on the Miami depth chart.

- Dan Gartland