We reported earlier today that Dolphins defensive end Phillip Merling has an Achilles’ tendon injury. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that Merling will miss the entire season due to the injury.
Jackson also reports that the injury was suffered during football-related activities, which means that Merling will receive the full amount of his $600,000 base salary, if/when he lands on injured reserve.
Of course, that amount could be reduced if/when Merling is suspended by the league for violating the Personal Conduct Policy. He faces felony charges after allegedly beating up his pregnant girlfriend.
Salguero also reports that the Dolphins may eventually make a play for Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears. Selected by Dolphins V.P. of football operations Bill Parcells in the first round of the 2005 draft while Parcells was working as head coach of the Cowboys, Spears could be on the outs in Dallas. Which could put him on the ins in Miami.