"Dolphins starting inside linebacker Channing Crowder suffered a serious right foot injury during Sunday's 27-20 loss to Houston that will end his season.

Crowder hobbled off the field on the defense's first series after suffering a mid-foot injury that has him on crutches and in a walking boot, and will keep the former Gator standout from playing in Sunday's season finale against the Steelers.

Crowder, who entered Week 16 with 51 tackles, one sack and one interception, underwent an MRI on Monday, but coach Tony Sparano wouldn't specify the nature of the injury.

The fear is that Crowder, the defense's primary signal caller and field general, suffered a Lisfranc injury similar to the one that sidelined tailback Ronnie Brown for the second half of the season, and the one that cost offensive guard Donald Thomas the majority of his rookie season.

According to a team source, Crowder had been bothered by soreness in his right foot for weeks. It's uncertain what might have led to the regression of the previously undisclosed injury.

With Crowder sidelined, Akin Ayodele and Reggie Torbor will serve as the Dolphins' starting inside linebackers. Both saw extensive playing time against the Texans and struggled at times.

Ayodele, who ranks third on the team with 65 tackles, contributed a team-high eight tackles and a quarterback hit. Torbor, who will likely start his third game of the season in Crowder's absence, made two tackles and a quarterback hit.

"From a communication standpoint I think they did pretty well. Missed a few tackles," Sparano of Ayodele and Torbor. "A couple of tackles in there I think they wished they could probably have back.""