Thursday

Dolphins DE Phillip Merling charged with beating a pregnant woman

Dolphins defensive end Phillip Merling was jailed and charged in Broward County Wednesday with aggravated battery against a victim “the offender should have known was pregnant.”

He is expected to appear in court on Thursday. In Florida, aggravated battery is considered a second-degree felony.

A second round pick in 2008, the 6-4, 295-pound Merling had 33 tackles and 2½ sacks for the Dolphins last season. Slight upgrades on the 26 tackles and 1 sack the former Clemson Tiger compiled in his rookie campaign.

Merling was expected to battle first-round pick Jared Ordick for playing time this season.

Dolphins veterans are scheduled to report for minicamp on Friday.