Brian Hartline developed into the Dolphins’ best deep-play threat in 2010, but his promising season is now over thanks to a finger injury.
Hartline, who leads Miami with a 14.3 yards-per-catch average and is third with 615 receiving yards, was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve on Saturday after hurting his finger six days ago against the Browns.
Hartline injured a finger on his left hand in the second quarter while blocking linebacker Matt Roth. Hartline immediately squeezed his hand and jogged off the field, but he returned for two full series in the third quarter before ending his day. Hartline reportedly had surgery on Tuesday and was not immediately ruled out for the season. He finishes the year with 43 catches for 615 yards and one touchdown in 12 games.
Rookie Marlon Moore will now take Hartline’s place as the Dolphins’ deep threat, and Roberto Wallace should see more playing time as well.
To replace Hartline on the roster, the Dolphins promoted rookie tight end Dedrick Epps from the practice squad.
With Hartline out, the only Miami receivers worthy of fantasy consideration are Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess. The Dolphins still have Buffalo and Detroit on their schedule, so while you don't want to use Marshall or Bess tomorrow against the Jets, they could be useful in the weeks to come.
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