Walden, who is 6 foot 2, 245 pounds, was awarded to the Dolphins on Thursday after he was waived by the Chiefs.

Kansas City claimed Walden on Aug. 31 after the 2008 sixth-round pick was cut by Dallas at the end of training camp.

He played in nine games with the Chiefs, registering 10 special teams tackles, which tied him for second on Kansas City's squad.

The Middle Tennessee State standout, who started 21 games for the Blue Raiders and set the school's all-time record with 22.5 sacks, will serve as a much needed wedge buster on the Dolphins' dismal special teams coverage unit, which ranks amongst the worst in the NFL.

The Patriots are ranked third in kick returns with the elusive Ellis Hobbs leading the way. Earlier this season Hobbs shredded the Dolphins for a franchise-high 237 return yards. Wes Welker is also a dangerous returner for New England, and the Dolphins can't afford to let the Patriots win the field position battle.

Defensive linemen Rodrique Wright and Lionel Dotson, offensive linemen Nate Garner and Shawn Murphy, receiver Ernest Wilford, tight end Joey Haynos, and cornerback Joey Thomas are all inactive for today's game.

John Beck will serve as the third quarterback for the Dolphins, and Matt Gutierrez is New England's third quarterback.

Cornerbacks Jason Webster and Mike Richardson, offensive linemen Wesley Britt and Billy Yates, tight end Tyson DeVree, tailback LaMont Jordan and linebacker Adalius Thomas are New England's inactive.

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