Matt

Turk

The Dolphins are holding firm on a one-year contract. He’d likely be the best punter available on the free agent market.

Coach Jack Del Rio threw Turk under the bus Monday. “When you have seven punts on the day and [only] one of them is good, that’s not going to work for you. That’s what we had [Sunday],” Del Rio said. Turk, a 43-year-old veteran, blamed windy conditions for his poor play. Free agents Nick Harris and Matt Dodge are candidates to replace him.

Brett Hartmann, Turk’s successor in Houston this season, tore his ACL in last week’s game. Turk was brutal in five games with the Jags early in the season, but the Texans staff has a familiarity level with the 43-year-old.

They’ll bite the bullet after guaranteeing him $600,000 this offseason. Turk had been among the worst punters in the league, averaging just 32.8 net yards through five weeks. His Week 5 performance against the Bengals was the final straw, leaving coach Jack Del Rio fuming. At age 43, Turk’s career could be over.

The team may have sign someone last minute if Turk can’t play.

Teams don’t keep roster spots open for mildly injured punters. Miami called up Donnie Jones off their practice squad.

31-year-old Chad Stanley is coming off one of his better years, but Turk has been a consistent performer when healthy. The two will vie to start in camp.

Turk, 35, averaged 38.7 yards last season, the lowest of his career. Former Steeler punter Josh Miller will likely sign with New England now.

Included is a $500,000 signing bonus. The 39-year-old had a solid season with a 37.9 net average in 2007, and landed 24 of his 55 punts inside the 20-yard line.