By STEVEN WINE, AP Sports Writer

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) Miami Dolphins inside linebacker Channing Crowder is ending the season on crutches.

Crowder will miss the rest of the season with a right foot injury, a person familiar with the case said Monday. The person said Crowder underwent an MRI exam Monday, but a decision had not yet been made regarding whether he needs surgery.

The person didn't want to be identified because the Dolphins haven't disclosed the severity of the injury. Crowder was on crutches in the locker room Monday, but didn't talk to reporters.

Miami (7-8) clings to only the faintest playoff hopes going into Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.

Crowder was hurt on the second play Sunday against Houston, limped to the locker room and missed the rest of the game. In his absence, the Dolphins fell behind 27-0, gave up 306 yards in the first half and lost 27-20.

Veteran Reggie Torbor replaced Crowder and had two tackles sharing inside linebacker duties with Akin Ayodele.

"Both of them had some plays I'm sure that they'd wish they had back," coach Tony Sparano said. "From a communication standpoint, I think they did pretty well. Missed a few tackles - not only them."

The Dolphins missed 10 tackles in the first half alone.

Crowder, a fifth-year starter, ranks fourth on the Dolphins with 52 tackles. He's under contract for 2010.