Thomas ruled out for Dolphins' game with Buffalo
December 1, 2004
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Linebacker Zach Thomas, the Dolphins' leading tackler, will not play against Buffalo on Sunday because of a hamstring injury.
Thomas was injured two weeks ago against Seattle, and played only part of the first quarter in last week's 24-17 victory at San Francisco. Rookie Derrick Pope, who had eight tackles and scored the clinching 1-yard touchdown against the 49ers, will likely start in Thomas' place.
Coach Jim Bates said Thomas received ``three or four treatments'' at the team's training facility Tuesday, but the hamstring didn't respond well enough to merit the risk of playing against the Bills.
``He was really going to push himself trying to get back,'' Bates said Wednesday. ``But this week, he's ruled out.''
Thomas, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, has a team-best 132 tackles and made at least 11 stops in each of Miami's first 10 games. It's unclear when he will return, although it seems likely Thomas will also miss Miami's game at Denver on Dec. 12.
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