Thomas returns to Dolphins' backfield for matchup vs. Chiefs

Published: Nov 06, 2011 at 02:45 AM

Rookie running back Daniel Thomas will be back in the lineup Sunday when the Miami Dolphins visit the Kansas City Chiefs.

Thomas has missed three of the Dolphins' seven games this season with a nagging hamstring injury. He sat out the Dolphins' Week 8 loss to the New York Giants after playing the two previous weeks. He had been listed as questionable for Sunday.

As expected, Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis also is inactive for non-injury reasons. NFL.com reporter Jeff Darlington revealed Saturday that Davis was involved in a confrontation with Brandon Marshall this week. The team hasn't confirmed the reason for Davis not playing against the Chiefs.

Running back Steve Slaton and defensive end Phillip Merlin are among the other players inactive for Miami.

Nolan Carroll will start in place of Davis, according to the Dolphins.

The Chiefs' secondary, already missing Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry, has been further depleted with backup safety Jon McGraw and cornerback Javier Arenas inactive on Sunday.

McGraw hurt his shoulder in last week's 23-20 overtime win over San Diego. Arenas, who has emerged as the Chiefs' best return man, had been listed as questionable with an ankle injury.

Visit www.nfl.com/inactives to see inactive players in every Sunday game.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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