Dolphins sign OL Shell to 53-man roster, elevate McKinley, Stille for game vs. Steelers

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 last 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 team’s 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 only brought 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 recognized in pregame, halftime of ‘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.