The Miami Dolphins have signed rookie linebacker Austin Spitler off the practice squad, a league source has confirmed.

No word as of yet as to what the corresponding transaction to add Spitler to the 53-man roster is.

A seventh-round pick (252nd overall) out of Ohio State, the 6-3, 235-pound Spitler had 13 tackles from an inside linebacker position during the pre-season, placing second on the team. The Dolphins waived Spitler on September 4, and re-signed to the practice squad two days later.

Adding Spitler to the 53-man roster calls Channing Crowder's availability for tonight's game against the New England Patriots into question. Crowder has missed all three of the Dolphins' games this season, and is listed as "Doubtful" with a groin injury.

With Crowder out, Tim Dobbins and Bobby Carpenter, two core special teams players, have seen significant playing time on defense.