Timmons will play Sunday

DAVIE — Miami Dolphins linebacker Lawrence Timmons, who was suspended indefinitely on Sept. 19, three days after going AWOL, has been reinstated to the team and will play Sunday against New Orleans in London.

Timmons, who signed with Miami during the offseason after 10 seasons with Pittsburgh, left the team without explanation the day before their 19-17 victory at the Los Angeles Chargers. He was suspended the following Monday.

Reinstating Timmons, who has five consecutive 100-tackle seasons, means the Dolphins will regain one of the two every-down linebackers the defense has had to play without in the first two games. To make room for Timmons on the roster, the Dolphins waived linebacker Justin MarchLillard.

Timmons, who has averaged 98 tackles a season throughout his NFL career, will likely be paired with Kiko Alonso in the nickel package, and handle the strong side linebacker role.

Chase Allen, an undrafted rookie from Southern Illinois, had been filling in as Miami’s starting strong side linebacker, and Mike Hull has handled the nickel workload in Timmons’ absence.

Coach Adam Gase seemed to be OK with Allen’s seven-tackle performance against the New York Jets on Monday.

“He did all right,” Gase said, adding, “It’s hard to say anybody really stood out on any phase. Any time you get a younger guy in there, it’s a learning experience.”