Miami Dolphins claim Dimitri Patterson

Dimitri Patterson has been claimed off of waivers by the Miami Dolphins, according to NBC's Pro Football Talk, just one day after being released by the Cleveland Browns.

Patterson inked a three-year, $16 million dollar contract with Cleveland last offseason, but injuries derailed Patterson's season, and he quickly fell behind other defensive backs on Cleveland's depth chart.

Though he's battled a high ankle sprain for most of the season, Patterson figures to be close to full health. Patterson resumed practicing with Cleveland on Nov. 29, and returned to game action on Dec. 9 in Cleveland's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Patterson also played in Cleveland's Week 15 loss to the Washington Redskins, and recorded two tackles.

It's unknown how much Dolphins' head coach Joe Philbin will utilize Patterson in Miami's last two games, but at the least, Patterson gives Philbin an alternative in the backfield.

Patterson previously played for the Redskins, Chiefs and Eagles, as well as the Browns.

Miami will take on Buffalo in Week 16 before facing off against the NFL's best offense in Week 17, when the Dolphins head to Foxboro to take on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.