The Miami Dolphins are bringing back a familiar face and name to reinforce their pass rush.
Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, a member of last year’s team, is signing to the Dolphins’ practice squad, according to a league source Tuesday evening.
The 34-year-old and three-time Pro Bowler was a free agent that hasn’t been with a team all season and could provide a fresh boost on the edge for Miami’s defense. The signing occurred shortly after reports of an Ingram workout with the Dolphins earlier Tuesday.
The Dolphins will have to go the rest of the season without standout outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips after his Achilles tear Nov. 24 against the New York Jets. In his place, Andrew Van Ginkel has started the past two games. Miami also signed fellow veteran Jason Pierre-Paul to the active roster following Phillips’ injury.
Against the Washington Commanders, Van Ginkel had an interception returned for a touchdown and applied consistent pressure on quarterback Sam Howell. He had four tackles Monday against the Tennessee Titans and the Dolphins, as a team, had just one Christian Wilkins sack.
Last season with the Dolphins, Ingram had 22 tackles, six sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, one for a touchdown. He has 57 career sacks since entering the NFL in 2012.
As a member of the practice squad, the Dolphins could elevate Ingram to the active roster for game days up to three times before committing to signing him to the 53-man roster if the team wants to bring him up again.
Miami had an open spot on its practice squad after linebacker Alexander Johnson was placed on the practice squad injured list due to a torn Achilles suffered in practice leading up to Monday night against the Titans.
