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When the Miami Dolphins released their tentative Week 1 depth chart this week, sitting atop the running back position was second year runner Lamar Miller. However, the team has not yet told Miller how much work he should expect against the Cleveland Browns, or how much he will see this season.
In fact, it does not even sound like Miller has officially been told he's the starter.
"They haven't told us anything yet so I'm not sure yet," Miller told Pro Football Talk's Erik Kuselias.
If Miller really is the starter, someone may need to let third year running back Daniel Thomas:
Daniel Thomas was asked today to comment on news Lamar Miller is the #Dolphins starting RB. "I didn't get any news," he said.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) September 3, 2013
The Dolphins have been very tight lipped about everything lately, from injuries to playing time. When asked about the posted depth chart listing Miller first, head coach Joe Philbin told the media yesterday, "That's the starting point for September 8th in Cleveland. That's a starting point, really. Again, I think both guys have had a really good preseason. I think they've improved, both of them, and we certainly will need those guys to perform well for us."
Earlier this week, offensive coordinator Mike Sherman was asked if he was surprised that there was not more separation between Miller and Thomas. "Not really because they are different type of backs," he replied. "One offers one thing (and) the other offers something else. They are just different dynamics between the two of them. I think because they are so different they offer, as I said, a different dynamic when in the game. I think there will be a challenge defensively to be able to put both running backs on the field separately."
Whatever the decision on playing time, Miller will likely be hitting the field first each week. But, don't be surprised to see a lot of Thomas as well.