Dolphins’ Earl Mitchell headed to injured reserve, but could return

Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell is headed to injured reserve with the calf injury that's vexed him all summer.

Whether his season is over remains to be seen.

Mitchell missed almost all of training camp with the calf injury. He played just a handful of snaps in Sunday's opener before leaving the game for good. Mitchell will be out at least eight weeks, but could be eligible to return midway through the year.

The Dolphins can bring back one player off IR after a half-season per year, and they don't have to designate that player until he's ready to return.

As a starter and one of the team's most veteran interior linemen, Mitchell makes great sense to be that player. The Dolphins are high on not only Mitchell's ability, but also his leadership in the locker room.

This story was originally published September 13, 2016 at 5:08 PM with the headline "Dolphins’ Earl Mitchell headed to injured reserve, but could return."