Dolphins place Dixon on IR

DAVIE, Fla., Nov. 4 (UPI) -- The Miami Dolphins have placed offensive tackle Mark Dixon on the injured reserve list.

The move officially ends his season.

Dixon, who started 12 games at left tackle last season, had been inactive for the first eight games this season with an ankle injury. Signed as a free agent in 1998, he played his first four seasons at left guard before switching to tackle last season.

In Dixon's absence, the Dolphins have been using rookie Wade Smith at left tackle. Smith was beaten by Dwight Freeney for three sacks in last Sunday's 23-17 loss to Indianapolis.