Miami's Webb Out For 6 Weeks

The most durable starter in Miami Dolphins history will miss a game for the first time in seven years Sunday.

Richmond Webb's team-record streak of 118 consecutive starts will end when Miami plays Indianapolis. The 320-pound left tackle tore the triceps in his left arm Sunday during the Dolphins' 30-24 loss at Buffalo.

"There's a possibility he could miss up to six weeks or more," coach Jimmy Johnson said Monday. The regular season ends in eight weeks.

Aside from Dan Marino, Webb could be considered Miami's most indispensable player. The absence of the seven-time Pro Bowl tackle is worrisome partly because he protects Marino's blind side, and the Dolphins desperately need to keep their quarterback healthy because backup Craig Erickson underwent season-ending elbow surgery Monday.

Webb, a reliable pass protector, also has helped rejuvenate a ground game that produced 128 yards at Buffalo.

"Richmond was doing a good job of something he hadn't done in a long time -- concentrating on bearing down on the run-blocking," Johnson said. "This is a setback."

The Dolphins (5-3) are in four-way tie for first place in the AFC East, which means they can't afford a misstep against Indianapolis (1-7).

Johnson said he'll try to give the offense a spark by dividing playing time more evenly between his top two running backs, Karim Abdul-Jabbar and rookie John Avery. Abdul-Jabbar had 164 carries and Avery just 51 in the first eight games.

"John is going to play more," Johnson said. "I want to utilize his big-play capability. Karim has been steady, but I want to use everything we've got."

Abdul-Jabbar rushed for 97 yards at Buffalo, but he lacks the breakaway ability of Avery, who flashed his speed on a 55-yard kickoff return.

"The coaches know I can help this team," Avery said. "They're just putting me in a position to help a little more."

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