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Miami Dolphins running back Knowshon Moreno suffered a dislocated elbow against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 of the NFL season. Early estimates anticipated a four-week recovery time for Moreno, depending on the severity of the damage done in and around the joint. It appears, those estimates were too aggressive.
Moreno told the Palm Beach Post's Andrew Abramson today, "I probably got like four more weeks," Moreno said. "About four more weeks and I'll be good."
The initial estimate would have had Moreno returning as early as Week 6, Miami's next game after the bye week this coming weekend, in a showdown against the Green Bay Packers. If Moreno's estimate of four more weeks holds true, he would probably be able to return to the field in Week 9, when the Dolphins host the San Diego Chargers.
Starting running back Lamar Miller has stepped up his production since the injury to Moreno, including a 64 yard, 2 touchdown performance against the Oakland Raiders in London this past weekend. He has 277 yards and two touchdowns on the ground this year, along with 53 yards and a score through the air. His 5.7 yards per carry average is second in the NFL right now, behind Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett and tied with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Moreno is fourth in the league with 5.5 yards per carry.
Miami also re-signed Daniel Thomas, who they cut in the preseason, to bolster the depth of the running back position following Moreno's injury. Since returning to Miami, Thomas has seven carries for 50 yards, a 7.1 yards per carry average, along with two receptions for 46 yards. At this pace, Thomas could move to the top of the league's yards per carry average once he reaches the qualifying number of carries (6.25 carries per team game).
Behind Miller and Thomas, the Dolphins also have rookie running backs Damien Williams and Orleans Darkwa. Miami added former San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James to the practice squad this week.