Jim Demon - USA Today Sports

Dolphins Get Veteran Pass-Rushing Help

Originally posted on FanNation All Dolphins
By Alain Poupart | Last updated 1/9/24

In dire need of edge defenders, more specifically outside pass rushers, the Miami Dolphins are bringing in a four-time Pro Bowl selection for the playoffs.

The Dolphins will be signing veteran Justin Houston, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

A 13-year NFL veteran, Houston played the first seven games of this season with the Carolina Panthers before he landed on IR with a hamstring injury and was released in mid-December. In those seven games, Houston had half a sack and three QB hits. He missed some time after being placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Houston did have 9.5 sacks in 14 games with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022.

Houston also played for the Indianapolis Colts after spending his first eight NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, so the Dolphins' first-round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium will serve as a homecoming for him — as well as Tyreek Hill.

It was with the Chiefs that Houston earned his four Pro Bowl selections, as well as his one All-Pro recognition in 2014 when he led the NFL with 22 sacks.

Houston, who will turn 35 on Jan. 21, has 5.5 sacks in nine career playoff games, including one for Baltimore last season.

HOUSTON'S POTENTIAL ROLE

The Dolphins were down to two pure edge defenders — Melvin Ingram and Emmanuel Ogbah — after Andrew Van Ginkel (foot) and Cameron Goode (knee) both sustained season-ending injuries in the loss against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.

Starting inside linebacker Jerome Baker might have been an option, but he also was knocked out with a season-ending injury in that game, in his case a wrist injury that necessitated surgery.

And, of course, the Dolphins already lost their two starting outside linebackers during the season when Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (knee) went down against the Jets and Ravens, respectively.

The Dolphins also have Quinton Bell on the practice squad, but clearly more help was needed. And there still might be more coming after the addition of Houston.

Ingram and Ogbah likely will be the starters against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first-round playoff game Saturday night, but Houston figures to get some snaps as well.

Houston averaged 24 snaps in his seven games with Carolina this season, with a high of 46 snaps in a Week 2 loss against the New Orleans Saints.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Dolphins and was syndicated with permission.

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