Dolphins sign OL Shell to roster
The Dolphins have signed offensive tackle Brandon Shell to the 53-man roster and elevated safety Verone McKinley III and defensive lineman Ben Stille for Sunday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Shell, who has been elevated from the practice squad the past two games, is a candidate to start at right tackle, as Austin Jackson was not activated to the 53-man roster. Jackson was designated to return to practice last week after being placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He hasn’t played since exiting the Dolphins’ season opener against the New England Patriots. The Dolphins will have one more week to either activate Jackson to the 53-man roster or leave him on IR for the rest of the season.
Shell filled in at left tackle for Terron Armstead in the Week 5 loss to the New York Jets and then started at right tackle in the Week 6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Dolphins brought only one offensive lineman from the practice squad for Sunday’s game, signaling that Armstead should start Sunday after missing last week’s game because of a lingering toe injury.
Though Greg Little has struggled to fill in for Jackson at right tackle and then on the left side against the Vikings, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was noncommittal when asked whether Little would retain his starting spot when Armstead returns to the lineup.
“Shell has done a very good job since he’s been here,” McDaniel said.
“It’s been admirable to see how he’s immersed himself into the system in such a short period of time, which is to his credit.”
For McKinley, it’s the second elevation this season for the undrafted rookie from Oregon. He was called up for the
Week 1 game but did not play. With questions regarding the availability of multiple cornerbacks — Xavien Howard (groin) and Kader Kohou (oblique) are questionable to play, while Keion Crossen (knee) is doubtful — McKinley could contribute in sub packages and special teams.
It’s the first elevation for Stille, an undrafted rookie from Nebraska. He provides potential depth along the defensive line with Trey Flowers landing on injured reserve this week and Emmanuel Ogbah (back) and Christian Wilkins (hand) both listed as questionable.
‘72 TEAM TO BE HONORED ON ‘SNF’
As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Dolphins’ undefeated 1972 team on Sunday night, legends Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, Larry Little and Paul Warfield will participate in a commemorative coin toss prior to kickoff.
At halftime, members of the 1972 team will gather with the families of deceased members for an on-field presentation.
The Dolphins are wearing their throwback jerseys with a commemorative patch honoring the 1972 team for the game.
ELSEWHERE
• Broncos: Denver quarterback Russell Wilson will miss Sunday’s game against the New York Jets because of a pulled hamstring, and backup Brett Rypien will get the start.
Wilson was ruled out Saturday, less than 24 hours after coach Nathaniel Hackett said Wilson’s playing status would be a game-day decision.
This will mark Rypien’s second career start. His other one also was against the Jets, a 37-28 Denver win at the Meadowlands on Oct. 1, 2020, when he threw for two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Veteran Josh Johnson will be elevated from the practice squad to serve as Rypien’s backup when the Broncos (2-4) try to snap a three-game skid and end a three-game win streak for the Jets (4-2), who have already matched last year’s win total.
Wilson pulled a hamstring during Monday night’s 19-16 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, nine days after he received an injection to relieve pain near his throwing shoulder.
The only games Wilson has missed as a pro came during his final season in Seattle last year when he sat out three games with a broken finger.
Wilson was traded to Denver in March for a package of players and picks and signed a fiveyear, $245 million extension with $165 million in guarantees.
• Commanders: Carson Wentz went on injured reserve Saturday, meaning Washington will be without its starting quarterback for at least the next four games.
Wentz, who had surgery to repair a broken finger, won’t get the chance to return to his first two NFL cities and face his former teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts.
Taylor Heinicke is set to start for Washington against Green Bay on Sunday with rookie Sam Howell backing up.