Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports that Miami Dolphins defensive end Phillip Merling has suffered an Achilles injury.

The extent of the injury is unknown, but it was reportedly incurred during a non-football workout.

Merling is a projected starter on the Dolphins' defensive line, which may need to be reshuffled if Merling's injury is as serious as Achilles' injuries tend to be. One option would be to move Randy Starks from nose tackle to the "5" technique, with Paul Soliai filling the starting nose tackle job.

Merling was charged with felony battery on his pregnant girlfriend earlier this week. If convicted, Merling faces up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Even if Merling is not convicted, he still faces potential league discipline under the NFL's personal conduct policy.