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]( "ILB Tim Dobbins")
The Texans have re-signed inside linebacker Tim Dobbins.
A seven-year veteran, Dobbins has been a special teams captain for the last two seasons. He started six games in 2012 after Brian Cushing went on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Dobbins played through a shoulder injury late last season before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 17. He had 35 tackles, one interception, four passes defensed and a team-record four fumble recoveries, which led the NFL.
Before signing with Houston in 2011, Dobbins spent four season with the San Diego Chargers (2006-09) and one with the Miami Dolphins (2010). He was a fifth-round draft pick out of Iowa State in 2006.
Depending on what the Texans do in the draft, Dobbins could compete with Darryl Sharpton for a starting job next to Brian Cushing this offseason. Sharpton, like Dobbins, ended last season on injured reserve. The Texans have two other inside linebackers on the roster, Mike Mohamed and Cameron Collins.
Dobbins is the third free agent to re-sign with the Texans this offseason, joining cornerback Brice McCain (March 20) and tackle Ryan Harris (April 8).
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