Heading into the season, the Miami Dolphins knew that had to give running back Ronnie Brown a heavy load compared to a year ago, when he shared touches with veteran running back Ricky Williams. Now, he'll have his chance to rest after having surgery on his broken left hand Friday. Brown suffered the injury while facing the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. Brown had 15 carries for 68 yards against the Lions before leaving in the third quarter of the game. At the moment, it's unclear when he would be able to return, but there is hope that he could still play at some point this season, perhaps even in a week or two.
In the mean time, running back Sammy Morris will take Brown's place as the starting running back. Morris started the season on a suspension, which is when Lee Suggs was the team's primary backup running back. When Morris was eligible to return, the team released Suggs.
After replacing Brown against the Lions, Morris did a fine job in carrying the ball 12 times for 91 yards, including a career-long 55-yard run.
"If someone goes out, the next guy has to step up," Morris said. "That's the name of the game. Injuries are a big part of this game, and again, you have to make the most of it when your number's called."
The Dolphins may have to sign another running back while Brown is inactive. This couldn't have come at a worst time for the Dolphins though, who have won four straight games and are suddenly back in the wildcard hunt.