The Miami Dolphins tried to bolster their thin defensive secondary on Tuesday, acquiring defensive back Dimitri Patterson off waivers from the Cleveland Browns.
The seven-year veteran played in seven games with Cleveland this season, starting four. He had 28 tackles and five passes defended on the season before the Browns waived him. In seven seasons with four different teams, he has five interceptions and 30 passes defended.
Patterson gives the Dolphins added depth, as CB Nolan Carroll hurt his left knee against Jacksonville on Sunday. His availability for Sunday's game against Buffalo is in doubt.
Complete Miami Dolphins Coverage
Patterson signed a three-year, $16 million contract last offseason, but tore a ligament in his left ankle early this season. He was able to play in each of the past two weeks after missing the previous seven games.
The Dolphins will assume the remainder of Patterson's contract, which will pay him $4.5 million in 2013 and $5.3 million in 2014.
The Dolphins also placed backup tight end Charles Clay on injured reserve as expected. He left Sunday's game with a right knee injury. Patterson takes Clay's spot on the active roster.
Sports
Clay's injury means rookie third-round pick Michael Egnew could be activated for the first time of the season on Sunday.
The Dolphins did not make any announcements regarding RB Daniel Thomas, who hurt his right knee against Jacksonville. The team was reportedly considering placing him on injured reserve as well, but are apparently taking a wait-and-see approach.
