Dolphins Sign Phillips

The Miami Dolphins, eager to bolster their moribund ground game, signed troubled but talented running back Lawrence Phillips on Tuesday.

Phillips, who has been plagued by legal problems, led the St. Louis Rams in rushing when they released him Nov. 20.

“I believe that Lawrence can help make us a better football team in the long run,” Miami Coach Jimmy Johnson said. “He understands exactly what is being asked of him, and he knows we have a disciplined program that provides very little margin of error for any player on our team.”

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Pittsburgh Steeler linebacker Greg Lloyd will sit out at least one more game because of a staph infection in his ankle. . . . The New York Jets, ravaged by injuries on the offensive line, signed tackle Deron Thorp.