Brandon Marshall rests; Top QB up in air

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DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall didn't practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury, raising questions as to whether he'll play Sunday at Oakland.

"It's a little slower thing than I'd like it to be, or Brandon would like it to be," said coach Tony Sparano of Marshall's recovery. Marshall wasn't available for comment on Wednesday.

Miami also has a quarterback question because Sparano hasn't named a starter. Tyler Thigpen and Chad Henne took snaps with the first team on Wednesday.

Those are two major issues for a 5-5 Dolphins team that probably has to win its remaining six games to have an outside shot at a playoff berth.

Marshall, the Dolphins' big offensive free agent acquisition, is seventh in the NFL in receptions and 16th in receiving yards. He has 58 receptions for 693 yards and one touchdown this season.

Despite Sparano's uncertainty, Thigpen makes it sound like Marshall won't play.

"With Brandon being out, I think that's going to leave a lot more 1-on-1 matchups that we're going to have to win," he said.

Without Marshall, the Dolphins are left with a relatively pedestrian wide receivers crew among Brian Hartline, Davone Bess and rookies Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace, although tight end Anthony Fasano is certainly capable.

Thigpen was the third-string quarterback two weeks ago but injuries to Henne (knee) and Chad Pennington (shoulder) made Thigpen a starter in last week's 16-0 loss to Chicago. But Thigpen threw two interceptions against the Bears and Henne is on the mend, so the starting job is up for grabs.

"I feel pretty good," said Henne, who suffered his injury in a 29-17 victory over Tennessee on Nov. 14. "I've been rehabbing and it's been going better each and everyday. I haven't had any setbacks. Right now I don't know where it is but I'm practicing and it's getting better."

There's been other good news related to the Dolphins' injuries. Center Joe Berger, who missed the Chicago game with a knee injury, returned to practice. That means right guard Richie Incognito can stay put this week. Left tackle Jake Long (left shoulder), who wears a protective harness, practiced and it appears that he'll start at Oakland.

Miami had given up just 12 sacks heading into the Chicago game but surrendered six sacks to the Bears.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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