Lex

Hilliard

Thomas’ absence is a major concern after his early-season hamstring injury “flared up” in Thursday’s practice. At this point, he can’t be expected to play against the Chargers. We wouldn’t go rushing to the waiver wire to add Steve Slaton just yet; he doesn’t even know the offense. If Thomas does sit out, Reggie Bush is a good bet for 15-20 touches with Lex Hilliard handling short-yardage work.

Though he was a favorite of the Tony Sparano coaching staff, Hilliard never assumed more than a special teams role in Miami. His exit gives CFL import Jerome Messam a better chance to make the 2012 roster.

A versatile, No. 3-running back type, Hilliard goes 5-foot-11, 240 and can play fullback, tailback, and contribute on special teams. He only earned 39 carries in three seasons with the Fins, averaging 3.3 yards per rush. Hilliard will compete for a roster spot behind Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart.

LCB Vontae Davis (hamstring) was also deactivated for Week 8. Thomas failed to turn in a full practice for the second straight week, but was expected to get the nod against the Giants’ 27th ranked run defense. Instead, he’ll sit out for the second time in four games, and leave the Dolphins’ running load to Reggie Bush and Lex Hilliard. Bush should easily see the most touches, but Hilliard could be in line for most short-yardage work. Bush should now be considered a solid RB3/flex play, while Hilliard is little more than a desperation option for players in deeper leagues.

Thomas will miss his third game of the season with a hamstring injury and Reggie Bush has struggled mightily inside the perimeter. While Hilliard is unlikely to out-carry Bush, his physical style makes him the favorite for redzone carries and he could be serviceable in a bye-week crunch. The Giants rank 27th against the run and allow an average of 19.3 points per game to opposing running backs this season.

Only in Miami would Slaton serve as the clear-cut goal-line back ahead of Lex Hilliard (one carry, four yards). He got three chances from the 1-yard line, stuffing one of them in. But with Daniel Thomas (hamstring) likely back soon, Slaton’s mind-boggling usage as a power back should be short-lived. Leave him on waivers.

For some unknown reason, the Dolphins identified Steve Slaton as their goal-line back and used him in that role three times. That left Hilliard with two touches for 11 total yards. It shows an extreme lack of confidence from the coaches in Hilliard.

Hilliard has been primarily a special teamer throughout his three-year career with the Dolphins. His addition could be a sign that Shane Vereen (foot) is in danger of missing the season opener.

Hilliard’s release speaks more about the progress of Jordan Todman than it does Adrian Peterson’s knee rehab. Todman will be the No. 3 running back on paper and could be the No. 2 guy if Peterson doesn’t play a major role in Week 1. A seventh-round pick, Guyton should be stashed on the practice squad if he clears waivers.

If Adrian Peterson (knee) is ready to go for Week 1, this battle will be moot. But if he’s not, the Vikings will need a speed complement for Toby Gerhart. Todman is a 5'9/193 scatback that was signed off the Chargers’ practice squad late last year. He has more wiggle and explosion than Hilliard.