DAVIE, Fla. -- Quarterback Tyler Thigpen took practice snaps running the Miami Dolphins' offense for the first time this season Tuesday as Chad Henne sat out the team's only workout in preparation for Thursday night's game against the Chicago Bears.
Thigpen likely will make his first NFL start since 2008, when he was with Kansas City.
Henne was sidelined Sunday by a left knee injury. Coach Tony Sparano wants the Bears wondering who will play quarterback, and he declined to rule out Henne's availability.
"He has made some progress," Sparano said. "He's feeling a little bit better. We'll see."
Also missing practice were safety Chris Clemons (hamstring) and center Joe Berger (knee). Pro Bowl tackle Jake Long, nursing a shoulder injury, took part but was limited.
Thigpen took only scout-team snaps as the third-string quarterback this season. Following injuries Sunday to Henne and Chad Pennington, Thigpen entered the game in the fourth quarter and closed out Miami's victory over Tennessee.
Thigpen said he's confident he can play well even with little preparation.
"It's definitely a challenge, but no excuses made and no excuses accepted," he said.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press